16 Southern Tamales Recipe Savor The Mouthwatering Goodness!
Published on: Apr 29, 2024
Tamales are a staple in Southern cuisine, and for good reason. These delicious bundles of corn dough filled with savory meats and spices have been a beloved dish for generations. While the process of making tamales may seem daunting, with a little practice and patience, you can recreate the traditional flavors of Southern tamales in your own kitchen. In this article, we'll share our professional and well-organized recipe for Southern tamales, so you can impress your family and friends with this authentic dish. So put on your apron and let's get cooking!
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread is a classic Southern recipe that is perfect for any occasion. This recipe is made with a combination of cornmeal, flour, buttermilk, and melted butter to create a deliciously moist and crumbly cornbread. It is the perfect side dish for any meal, or it can be enjoyed on its own as a snack.
The key to making the perfect Southern Cornbread is to use a well-seasoned cast iron skillet. This will give the cornbread a crispy crust and help it to cook evenly. The combination of sweet and savory flavors in this recipe makes it a crowd-pleaser, and it is sure to become a family favorite.
Southern Smothered Chicken is a classic Southern dish that is known for its rich and comforting flavors. This dish is made by cooking chicken in a savory gravy until it is fall-off-the-bone tender. It is usually served over rice or with a side of mashed potatoes, making it the perfect comfort food.
To make this dish, you will need chicken, onions, garlic, and a combination of herbs and spices. The chicken is first seared in a hot skillet to create a crispy exterior, and then it is cooked in a flavorful gravy until it is tender and juicy. This dish is perfect for Sunday dinners or any time you want a hearty and delicious meal.
Southern Cornbread Dressing is a must-have side dish for any Southern holiday meal. This recipe is made with crumbled cornbread, celery, onions, and a blend of herbs and spices. It is then baked until it is crispy on top and moist and fluffy on the inside.
The key to making the perfect Southern Cornbread Dressing is to use day-old cornbread. This will ensure that the dressing is not too soggy or dry. This dish is often served with turkey or ham and is a staple at Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.
Southern Collard Greens are a traditional Southern side dish that is made by cooking collard greens in a flavorful broth until they are tender and full of flavor. This dish is often served with cornbread, and it is the perfect complement to any Southern meal.
To make this dish, you will need collard greens, bacon, onions, and a blend of herbs and spices. The collard greens are cooked until they are wilted and tender, and the bacon adds a smoky and savory flavor to the dish. This dish is a great way to get your greens in and is a favorite among Southerners.
Southern Smothered Oxtails are a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. This dish is made with oxtails, onions, garlic, and a blend of herbs and spices. The oxtails are first seared to lock in the flavor and then cooked in a savory gravy until they are fall-off-the-bone tender.
This dish is often served over rice or with a side of mashed potatoes, making it a complete and satisfying meal. The combination of tender oxtails and flavorful gravy is sure to warm you up and leave you feeling satisfied.
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Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Flour, Whole Milk, Butter, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt
Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits are a staple in Southern cooking. These biscuits are light, flaky, and buttery, making them the perfect accompaniment to any meal. They are also great on their own as a snack or with a drizzle of honey for a sweet treat.
To make these biscuits, you will need flour, baking powder, salt, butter, and milk. The key to making flaky biscuits is to handle the dough as little as possible. This will ensure that the biscuits are light and airy. These biscuits are best served warm and fresh out of the oven.
Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese is a classic Southern comfort food that is loved by all. This dish is made with macaroni, a creamy cheese sauce, and a crispy breadcrumb topping. It is then baked until it is bubbly and golden brown on top.
The key to making the perfect Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese is to use a combination of cheeses. This will give the dish a rich and complex flavor. This dish is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or any time you are craving a cheesy and comforting meal.
Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is a slightly different take on the classic dish. This recipe uses a combination of macaroni and spaghetti to create a unique and delicious mac and cheese. The addition of a creamy cheese sauce and a crispy breadcrumb topping takes this dish to the next level.
To make this dish, you will need macaroni, spaghetti, a blend of cheeses, and a creamy sauce made with milk, butter, and flour. The combination of different pastas gives this dish a fun and interesting texture. This dish is sure to be a hit at any gathering or family dinner.
Southern Pecan Pie Bars are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that is perfect for any occasion. These bars are made with a buttery shortbread crust and a gooey pecan filling. They are a great alternative to traditional pecan pie and are perfect for feeding a crowd.
The key to making the perfect Southern Pecan Pie Bars is to use fresh pecans and a combination of brown sugar and corn syrup in the filling. These bars are best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.
Southern Peach Cobbler is a classic Southern dessert that is loved for its sweet and juicy peaches and crispy topping. This cobbler is made with fresh peaches, a sweet syrup, and a buttery biscuit topping. It is best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
The key to making the perfect Southern Peach Cobbler is to use ripe and juicy peaches. This will ensure that the cobbler is bursting with flavor. This dish is a must-try for any peach lover and is a great way to use up ripe peaches.
Classic Southern Collard Greens are a simple and delicious side dish that is perfect for any occasion. This dish is made by cooking collard greens in a savory broth with bacon and onions until they are tender and full of flavor. It is often served with cornbread and is a staple in Southern cooking.
To make this dish, you will need collard greens, bacon, onions, and a blend of herbs and spices. The key to making the perfect collard greens is to cook them until they are wilted and tender but still have a bite to them. This dish is a great way to get your greens in and is a favorite among Southerners.
Southern Pimento Cheese is a classic Southern spread that is perfect for sandwiches, crackers, or just eating with a spoon. This recipe is made with a combination of shredded cheese, mayo, pimentos, and a blend of herbs and spices. It is a staple at any Southern gathering or potluck.
The key to making the perfect Southern Pimento Cheese is to use quality ingredients. This will ensure that the spread is rich and flavorful. This versatile dish can be used in a variety of ways and is sure to be a hit with anyone who tries it.
Southern Cabbage is a simple and delicious side dish that is popular in Southern cooking. This dish is made with cabbage, onions, and a blend of herbs and spices. It is often served with cornbread and is a great way to get your veggies in.
To make this dish, you will need cabbage, onions, bacon, and a blend of herbs and spices. The cabbage is cooked until it is tender and full of flavor, and the addition of bacon adds a smoky and savory element to the dish. This dish is perfect for any meal and is a great way to switch up your vegetable routine.
Southern Cornbread is a staple in Southern cooking and is a must-try for anyone who loves cornbread. This recipe is made with a combination of cornmeal, flour, buttermilk, and melted butter to create a deliciously moist and crumbly cornbread. It is perfect for any meal or as a snack.
The key to making the perfect Southern Cornbread is to use a well-seasoned cast iron skillet. This will give the cornbread a crispy crust and help it to cook evenly. This versatile dish can be served with a variety of meals and is sure to become a family favorite.
Southern Sausage Gravy is a classic Southern breakfast dish that is loved for its rich and comforting flavors. This gravy is made with sausage, flour, milk, and a blend of herbs and spices. It is usually served over biscuits for a hearty and satisfying breakfast.
To make this dish, you will need sausage, flour, milk, and a blend of herbs and spices. The sausage is first cooked until it is browned and then the flour and milk are added to create a thick and creamy gravy. This dish is perfect for a weekend brunch or any time you want a filling and delicious breakfast.
Southern Hush Puppies are a classic Southern side dish that is often served with fried fish or seafood. These crispy and savory balls are made with cornmeal, flour, buttermilk, and a blend of herbs and spices. They are a must-try for anyone who loves Southern cuisine.
The key to making the perfect Southern Hush Puppies is to use a combination of cornmeal and flour to create a light and crispy texture. These little bites are perfect for snacking on or served as a side dish with your favorite seafood.
Southern Squash Casserole is a delicious and comforting side dish that is perfect for any occasion. This casserole is made with yellow squash, onions, cheese, and a crispy cracker topping. It is then baked until it is golden brown and bubbly.
To make this dish, you will need yellow squash, onions, cheese, and crackers. The key to making the perfect Southern Squash Casserole is to cook the squash until it is tender, but not mushy. This dish is a great way to use up summer squash and is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Southern Fried Corn is a simple and delicious side dish that is perfect for any meal. This dish is made with fresh corn, butter, and a blend of herbs and spices. It is often served with barbecue or fried chicken and is a staple in Southern cooking.
To make this dish, you will need fresh corn, butter, and a blend of herbs and spices. The corn is cooked until it is slightly charred and then seasoned with butter and spices. This dish is a great way to use up summer corn and is a must-try for anyone who loves Southern cuisine.
Southern Shrimp and Grits is a classic Southern dish that is loved for its rich and flavorful sauce and creamy grits. This dish is made with shrimp, bacon, onions, and a blend of herbs and spices. It is usually served over a bed of creamy grits for a hearty and satisfying meal.
The key to making the perfect Southern Shrimp and Grits is to use fresh and quality ingredients. This will ensure that the dish is bursting with flavor. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or any time you are craving a comforting and delicious meal.
Southern Style Macaroni and Cheese is a classic comfort food that is loved by all. This dish is made with macaroni, a creamy cheese sauce, and a crispy breadcrumb topping. It is then baked until it is bubbly and golden brown on top.
The key to making the perfect Southern Style Macaroni and Cheese is to use a combination of cheeses. This will give the dish a rich and complex flavor. This dish is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or any time you are craving a cheesy and comforting meal.
The Essential Ingredients
To make the perfect Southern tamales, you'll need to gather some essential ingredients. The most important ones include masa harina, dried corn husks, and a flavorful filling. Masa harina is a special type of corn flour used for making tamales, and it can be found in most grocery stores. Dried corn husks are used to wrap the tamales and can be found in the international aisle of your local supermarket. For the filling, you can use pork, chicken, beef, or even vegetarian options like beans and cheese. Make sure to also have some spices on hand, such as cumin, chili powder, and oregano, to give your tamales that distinct Southern flavor.
Preparing the Filling
Before making the tamales, it's important to prepare the filling. If you're using meat, cook it until it's tender and easily shredded. You can use a slow cooker or pressure cooker to speed up the process. Once the meat is cooked, add your preferred spices and let it simmer for a few more minutes to absorb all the flavors. For vegetarian fillings, simply cook and season your chosen ingredients in a pan until they are well combined and flavorful.
Preparing the Masa Dough
Next, it's time to make the masa dough. In a large bowl, combine masa harina, broth, and melted lard or vegetable shortening. Mix until the dough is smooth and pliable. If the dough is too dry, add more broth; if it's too wet, add more masa harina. The texture of the dough should be similar to that of cookie dough.
Assembling the Tamales
Now comes the fun part – assembling the tamales! Start by soaking the dried corn husks in warm water for about 30 minutes. Then, take a husk and spread about 2 tablespoons of the masa dough onto the center, leaving a 1-inch border on the sides. Next, add a few tablespoons of your prepared filling on top of the dough. Roll the husk tightly, tucking in the ends to secure the filling. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
Steaming the Tamales
To cook the tamales, you'll need a large steamer. Place the tamales upright in the steamer, making sure not to overcrowd them. Steam for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the dough is firm and easily pulls away from the husk. Let the tamales cool for a few minutes before unwrapping and serving hot.
Congratulations, you've just made authentic Southern tamales! Serve them with your favorite hot sauce, salsa, or guacamole for a delicious and satisfying meal. With this professional and well-organized recipe, you can now enjoy the flavors of the South in the comfort of your own home. So why not gather some friends and family and have a tamale-making party? We guarantee it will be a hit!
