15+ Traditional Mexican Christmas Tamales Recipe You Won't Believe The Taste!
Published on: Apr 22, 2024
Tamales are a staple in Mexican cuisine, especially during the holiday season. These delicious corn dough pockets filled with savory meats or sweet fillings are a must-have dish for many families during Christmas. While there are many variations of tamales, the traditional Mexican Christmas tamales recipe is a cherished one that has been passed down for generations. Let's take a closer look at this festive dish and how you can make it in your own kitchen.
Main Ingredients: Corn Husks, Chicken Parts, Tomatillos, White Onion
If you're looking for a unique twist on the classic beer can chicken, try this recipe for Pollo Verde Tamales. These flavorful tamales are filled with tender chicken and a tangy tomatillo-based sauce, all wrapped up in a corn husk and steamed to perfection.
To make these tamales, start by making a batch of homemade masa dough. Then, shred some cooked chicken and mix it with a homemade green sauce made from tomatillos, jalapeños, and cilantro. Spread the mixture onto the masa dough, roll it up in a corn husk, and steam until cooked through. The result is a delicious and unique twist on traditional beer can chicken.
Pro tip: Serve these tamales with some extra green sauce on the side for dipping, and don't forget a cold beer to wash it all down.
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Layered Mexican Christmas Eve Salad
Main Ingredients: Red Beets, Romaine, Jicama, Navel Oranges, Pomegranate
This vibrant and colorful salad is a staple at Mexican Christmas celebrations. Layered with beans, lettuce, corn, tomatoes, avocado, and cheese, it's a delicious and healthy addition to any holiday table.
To make this salad, start by layering some beans on the bottom of a large glass bowl. Then, add a layer of shredded lettuce, followed by some corn, tomatoes, and avocado. Top it off with some shredded cheese and a drizzle of your favorite dressing. This salad is not only delicious, but it also adds a festive touch to your holiday spread.
Pro tip: Add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili powder for a spicy kick!
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Delicious Mexican Tamales
Main Ingredients: Corn Flour, Mazola Corn Oil, Chicken Broth, Jalapeno
No list of top beer can chicken recipes would be complete without some classic tamales. These traditional Mexican dishes are made with a corn-based dough, filled with a variety of savory or sweet fillings, and steamed to perfection in corn husks.
To make these tamales, start by making a batch of homemade masa dough. Then, choose your filling - whether it's shredded chicken, pork, or a sweet mixture of raisins and cinnamon. Roll up the dough in corn husks, steam until cooked through, and enjoy the delicious and authentic flavors of Mexico.
Pro tip: Serve these tamales with some salsa verde or queso for dipping, and pair with a cold beer for the perfect meal.
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Ponche Navideño (Mexican Christmas Fruit Punch)
Main Ingredients: Water, Cinnamon Sticks, Cloves, Tamarind Pods, Crab
This hot and fruity punch is a staple at Mexican Christmas celebrations. Made with a variety of seasonal fruits, spices, and a touch of rum, it's the perfect drink to warm you up on a cold winter night.
To make this punch, start by simmering a variety of fruits, such as apples, pears, and prunes, with cinnamon sticks and cloves in a large pot. Once the fruits are soft, add in some brown sugar and rum to taste. Serve hot and enjoy the festive flavors of this Mexican holiday drink.
Pro tip: Garnish with some extra fruit slices and cinnamon sticks for a beautiful presentation.
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Ponche Navideño (Mexican Christmas Fruit Punch)
Main Ingredients: Water, Cinnamon Sticks, Cloves, Tamarind Pods, Crab
This traditional Mexican Christmas salad is a must-have dish for any holiday celebration. Made with a variety of seasonal fruits, vegetables, and a tangy dressing, it's a refreshing and colorful addition to your holiday spread.
To make this salad, start by mixing together some shredded lettuce, sliced radishes, diced jicama, and pomegranate seeds. Toss with a homemade dressing made from olive oil, lime juice, and a touch of honey. Top with some crumbled queso fresco and enjoy the fresh and vibrant flavors of this Mexican Christmas dish.
Pro tip: Add some cooked shrimp or shredded chicken for a heartier version of this salad.
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Mexican Christmas Eve Salad (Ensalada de Noche Buena)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Red Wine Vinegar, Orange Juice, Salt
If you're a fan of beef, you have to try these authentic beef tamales. Made with a flavorful filling of slow-cooked beef and a homemade red sauce, they're a delicious and hearty meal that will satisfy any craving.
To make these tamales, start by cooking some tender beef in a slow cooker with a variety of spices and seasonings. Once the beef is cooked, shred it and mix it with a homemade red sauce made from dried chilies, garlic, and other spices. Roll up the beef and sauce in corn husks, steam until cooked through, and enjoy the rich and authentic flavors of these tamales.
Pro tip: Serve these tamales with some homemade guacamole and a cold beer for the ultimate Mexican feast.
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Authentic Beef Tamales
Main Ingredients: Brisket, Onion, Garlic, Salt, Peppercorns, Dried Ancho
For a delicious and savory twist on traditional beer can chicken, try these pork tamales. Made with a flavorful filling of slow-cooked pork and a homemade green sauce, they're a tasty and unique addition to any meal.
To make these tamales, start by cooking some tender pork in a slow cooker with a variety of spices and seasonings. Once the pork is cooked, shred it and mix it with a homemade green sauce made from tomatillos, jalapeños, and cilantro. Roll up the pork and sauce in corn husks, steam until cooked through, and enjoy the delicious and tangy flavors of these tamales.
Pro tip: Top these tamales with some crumbled queso fresco for an extra burst of flavor.
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Pork Tamales
Main Ingredients: Pork Loin, Onion, Garlic, Salt, Pepper, Water, Chilies
If you're looking for a flavorful and juicy alternative to beer can chicken, try this Cuban Mojo Marinated Pork. This traditional Cuban dish is made with a tangy and citrusy marinade and slow-cooked to perfection.
To make this dish, start by marinating a pork shoulder in a mixture of citrus juices, garlic, and spices for at least 24 hours. Then, slow-cook the pork until it's tender and falling apart. The result is a succulent and flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with a cold beer and some traditional Cuban sides.
Pro tip: Use the leftover pork to make some delicious Cuban sandwiches for a tasty and easy meal.
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Cuban Mojo Marinated Pork
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Orange Zest, Fresh Orange
For a delicious and unique twist on traditional beer can chicken, try these Mexican Pork Tamales. Made with a flavorful filling of slow-cooked pork and a spicy red sauce, they're a tasty and satisfying meal that will wow your taste buds.
To make these tamales, start by cooking some tender pork in a slow cooker with a variety of spices and seasonings. Once the pork is cooked, shred it and mix it with a homemade red sauce made from dried chilies, garlic, and other spices. Roll up the pork and sauce in corn husks, steam until cooked through, and enjoy the bold and spicy flavors of these tamales.
Pro tip: Serve these tamales with some homemade salsa and a cold beer for the ultimate Mexican meal experience.
This simple and refreshing salad is the perfect accompaniment to any beer can chicken recipe. Made with fresh avocado, juicy tomatoes, and a tangy dressing, it's a delicious and healthy addition to any meal.
To make this salad, start by dicing some avocado and tomatoes and tossing them with a homemade dressing made from olive oil, lime juice, and a touch of honey. Top with some sliced red onion and a sprinkle of cilantro for a beautiful and flavorful side dish.
Pro tip: Add some cooked black beans or corn for a heartier version of this salad.
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Avocado and Tomato Salad
Main Ingredients: Tomatoes, Avocados, Red Onion, Chopped Cilantro, Limes
This savory and slightly sweet cornbread is the perfect side dish for any beer can chicken recipe. Made with a combination of cornmeal, flour, and a touch of sugar, it's a unique and delicious twist on traditional cornbread.
To make this cornbread, start by mixing together some cornmeal, flour, sugar, and other seasonings in a large bowl. Then, add in some milk, eggs, and melted butter and mix until well combined. Bake in a cast iron skillet for a crispy and golden crust, and enjoy the delicious flavors of this Mexican-inspired cornbread.
Pro tip: Top this cornbread with some shredded cheese and diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
If you have a sweet tooth, you have to try these delicious Mexican Chocolate Chip Crinkle Cookies. Made with a combination of chocolate chips, cocoa powder, and a touch of cinnamon, they're a unique and tasty dessert that pairs perfectly with a cold beer.
To make these cookies, start by mixing together some flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and cinnamon in a large bowl. Then, add in some chocolate chips, brown sugar, and melted butter and mix until a dough forms. Roll the dough into balls, coat with powdered sugar, and bake until the cookies are soft and chewy. Enjoy the rich and chocolatey flavors of these Mexican-inspired cookies.
Pro tip: Serve these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent treat.
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Mexican Chocolate Chip Crinkle Cookies...
Main Ingredients: Granulated Sugar, Canola Oil, Eggs, Chocolate Extract
This non-alcoholic fruit punch is a staple at Mexican holiday celebrations. Made with a variety of seasonal fruits, spices, and a touch of piloncillo (Mexican brown sugar), it's a refreshing and festive drink that everyone will love.
To make this punch, start by simmering a variety of fruits, such as apples, pears, and prunes, with cinnamon sticks and cloves in a large pot. Once the fruits are soft, add in some piloncillo and simmer until dissolved. Serve hot and enjoy the warm and fruity flavors of this traditional Mexican drink.
Pro tip: Add a splash of rum for an adult version of this punch.
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Mexican Holiday Fruit Punch or Ponche
Main Ingredients: Apples, Apple, Oranges, Guavas, Tamarind Pods, Prunes
This classic and flavorful side dish is a must-have for any beer can chicken recipe. Made with long-grain rice, tomato sauce, and a variety of seasonings, it's a tasty and easy addition to any meal.
To make this rice, start by sautéing some onion and garlic in a large pot. Then, add in some long-grain rice and toast it for a few minutes. Pour in some tomato sauce, chicken broth, and seasonings, and let the rice cook until tender. Fluff with a fork and enjoy the delicious and authentic flavors of this Mexican rice.
Pro tip: Add some diced carrots and peas for a colorful and nutritious twist on this classic rice dish.
For the ultimate winter treat, try making your own hot chocolate mix. This recipe gives you three different options - original, Mexican-inspired, and spicy - so you can choose your favorite or try them all!
To make this hot chocolate mix, start by combining cocoa powder, sugar, and a touch of salt in a large jar. For the Mexican-inspired version, add in some cinnamon and cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. For the spicy version, add in some chipotle powder for a smoky and spicy flavor. To make the hot chocolate, simply add some of the mix to a cup of hot milk and stir until well combined. Top with some whipped cream and enjoy the cozy and delicious flavors of homemade hot chocolate.
Pro tip: Add some Bailey's or Kahlua for an adult version of this hot chocolate.
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Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix (Original, Mexican, &...
Main Ingredients: Powdered Milk, Powdered Sugar, Unsweetened Cocoa
For a fun and tasty twist on traditional beer can chicken, try these Mexican Street Tacos. Made with tender and flavorful chicken, soft corn tortillas, and a variety of toppings, they're a delicious and authentic Mexican meal that everyone will love.
To make these tacos, start by marinating some chicken in a mixture of lime juice, garlic, and seasonings. Then, grill the chicken until cooked through and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Serve on soft corn tortillas with toppings such as salsa, avocado, cilantro, and lime juice for a tasty and authentic Mexican street food experience.
Pro tip: Use leftover beer can chicken for a quick and easy version of these tacos.
This refreshing and fruity punch is a staple at Mexican Christmas celebrations. Made with a variety of seasonal fruits, spices, and a touch of tequila, it's the perfect drink to toast to the holiday season.
To make this punch, start by simmering a variety of fruits, such as apples, pears, and prunes, with cinnamon sticks and cloves in a large pot. Once the fruits are soft, add in some brown sugar and tequila to taste. Serve hot or cold and enjoy the festive and delicious flavors of this Mexican holiday drink.
Pro tip: Garnish with some extra fruit slices and cinnamon sticks for a beautiful presentation.
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Ponche Navideño (Mexican Christmas Punch)
Main Ingredients: Water, Green Apples, Red Apples, Bosc Pears, Sugarcane
For a hearty and flavorful alternative to beer can chicken, try these Beef and Red Chile Tamales. Made with a tender and savory beef filling and a homemade red chile sauce, they're a delicious and unique addition to any meal.
To make these tamales, start by cooking some beef in a slow cooker with a variety of spices and seasonings. Once the beef is cooked, shred it and mix it with a homemade red chile sauce made from dried chilies, garlic, and other spices. Roll up the beef and sauce in corn husks, steam until cooked through, and enjoy the bold and authentic flavors of these tamales.
Pro tip: Top these tamales with some diced avocado and a squeeze of lime juice for a fresh and tangy twist on the classic.
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Beef and Red Chile Tamales
Main Ingredients: Boneless Beef Chuck, Small White Onions, Garlic Cloves
These crispy and sweet fritters are a popular dessert in Mexico, especially during the holiday season. Made with a simple dough, fried until golden, and drizzled with a sweet syrup, they're a delicious and indulgent treat that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
To make these fritters, start by making a simple dough with flour, eggs, and other seasonings. Roll out the dough and cut it into circles, then fry until golden brown. To make the syrup, combine water, brown sugar, and a touch of cinnamon and let it simmer until thickened. Drizzle the syrup over the hot fritters and enjoy the crispy and sweet flavors of this traditional Mexican dessert.
Pro tip: Serve these fritters with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
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Buñuelos Enmielados
Main Ingredients: Anise Seeds, Hot Water, All Purpose Flour, Granulated
There you have it - 20 delicious and creative ways to enjoy beer can chicken. From traditional tamales to festive holiday drinks, there's something for everyone on this list. So grab a cold beer, fire up the grill, and try out one (or all) of these top beer can chicken recipes for a tasty and unique meal experience.
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Pollo Verde Tamales
Main Ingredients: Corn Husks, Chicken Parts, Tomatillos, White Onion
This Mexican-inspired beer can chicken recipe is sure to be a hit at your next family gathering. The chicken is seasoned with traditional Mexican spices and slow cooked to perfection on the grill. The result is a tender and flavorful chicken that pairs perfectly with the homemade tomatillo salsa that accompanies it. Serve this dish with some rice and beans for a complete and authentic meal.
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Layered Mexican Christmas Eve Salad
Main Ingredients: Red Beets, Romaine, Jicama, Navel Oranges, Pomegranate
This festive salad is a staple at Mexican Christmas celebrations and for good reason. It's not only beautiful to look at, but it's also delicious. Layers of lettuce, beans, corn, avocado, and more are topped with a creamy cilantro dressing for a refreshing and flavorful dish. This salad is the perfect accompaniment to any beer can chicken dish, adding a burst of color and flavor to your meal.
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Delicious Mexican Tamales
Main Ingredients: Corn Flour, Mazola Corn Oil, Chicken Broth, Jalapeno
Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish that is typically enjoyed during special occasions such as Christmas or birthdays. This recipe takes the classic tamale and gives it a modern twist by using beer can chicken as the filling. The result is a flavorful and unique tamale that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Serve these tamales with some guacamole and salsa for a perfect appetizer or main course.
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Ponche Navideño (Mexican Christmas Fruit Punch)
Main Ingredients: Water, Cinnamon Sticks, Cloves, Tamarind Pods, Crab
No Mexican Christmas celebration is complete without a steaming cup of ponche. This warm and fruity punch is a delicious way to warm up on a cold winter night. This recipe uses fresh fruit like apples, pears, and oranges along with spices like cinnamon and cloves to create a flavorful and aromatic punch. Add a splash of tequila for an adult version of this holiday favorite.
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Ponche Navideño (Mexican Christmas Fruit Punch)
Main Ingredients: Water, Cinnamon Sticks, Cloves, Tamarind Pods, Crab
Another Mexican Christmas staple, this salad is a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds. Layers of lettuce, beets, carrots, and more are topped with a creamy dressing and fresh pomegranate seeds for a festive and colorful dish. This salad is a great side dish for any beer can chicken recipe, adding a healthy and flavorful element to your meal.
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Mexican Christmas Eve Salad (Ensalada de Noche Buena)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Red Wine Vinegar, Orange Juice, Salt
While chicken is a popular filling for tamales, this recipe uses beef for a hearty and satisfying twist. The beef is slow cooked in a spicy and flavorful sauce before being wrapped in masa dough and steamed to perfection. These tamales are perfect for a crowd and can be served as a main course or appetizer. Serve with a side of homemade salsa for an authentic Mexican meal.
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Authentic Beef Tamales
Main Ingredients: Brisket, Onion, Garlic, Salt, Peppercorns, Dried Ancho
If you're a fan of traditional tamales, then you'll love this pork version. The pork is seasoned with traditional Mexican spices and slow cooked to tender perfection. The tamales are then filled with the flavorful pork and steamed until moist and delicious. These tamales are perfect for a fiesta or any special occasion, and are sure to be a crowd pleaser.
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Pork Tamales
Main Ingredients: Pork Loin, Onion, Garlic, Salt, Pepper, Water, Chilies
This Cuban-inspired beer can chicken recipe is a flavor explosion in your mouth. The chicken is marinated in a citrusy and garlicky marinade before being slow cooked on the grill. The result is a tender and flavorful chicken that pairs perfectly with some black beans and rice. This dish is a must-try for any adventurous cook looking to expand their flavor palate.
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Cuban Mojo Marinated Pork
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Orange Zest, Fresh Orange
If you love spicy food, then you'll love these Mexican pork tamales. The pork is marinated in a spicy and flavorful sauce before being wrapped in masa dough and steamed to perfection. These tamales are bursting with flavor and are a great addition to any Mexican-themed meal. Serve with some fresh salsa and homemade guacamole for a complete and delicious meal.
This light and refreshing salad is the perfect side dish for any beer can chicken recipe. The combination of avocado, tomato, and cilantro is a classic in Mexican cuisine and for good reason. The flavors pair perfectly together, creating a fresh and delicious salad that is sure to be a hit. This salad is also a great option for vegetarians or those looking for a lighter meal option.
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Avocado and Tomato Salad
Main Ingredients: Tomatoes, Avocados, Red Onion, Chopped Cilantro, Limes
What's a beer can chicken without some cornbread on the side? This Mexican-inspired cornbread is a delicious and flavorful accompaniment to any chicken dish. The addition of corn kernels, cheese, and jalapeños gives this cornbread a spicy and savory twist. Serve it warm with some honey butter for a perfect balance of flavors.
No meal is complete without a dessert, and these Mexican chocolate chip crinkle cookies are the perfect ending to any beer can chicken dish. These chewy and chocolatey cookies have a hint of cinnamon that gives them a unique and delicious flavor. Serve them with some vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert.
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Mexican Chocolate Chip Crinkle Cookies...
Main Ingredients: Granulated Sugar, Canola Oil, Eggs, Chocolate Extract
This alcoholic version of ponche is perfect for any holiday celebration. It's made with rum, brandy, and tequila along with fresh fruit and spices for a festive and tasty punch. This drink is sure to get the party started and will be a hit with all your guests. Serve it in a punch bowl with some ice and fruit for a colorful display.
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Mexican Holiday Fruit Punch or Ponche
Main Ingredients: Apples, Apple, Oranges, Guavas, Tamarind Pods, Prunes
This classic Mexican side dish is a perfect accompaniment to any beer can chicken recipe. The rice is cooked in a tomato and chicken broth along with onions, garlic, and spices for a flavorful and aromatic dish. Serve it alongside some beans and tortillas for a complete meal. This rice is also great as a filling for tacos or burritos.
This homemade hot chocolate mix is a great gift for any chocolate lover in your life. It comes in three flavors - original, Mexican, and spicy, giving you options depending on your preference. The Mexican version is made with cinnamon and chili powder for a unique and delicious twist on the classic hot chocolate. Just add some hot milk and enjoy on a cold winter day.
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Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix (Original, Mexican, &...
Main Ingredients: Powdered Milk, Powdered Sugar, Unsweetened Cocoa
If you've ever been to Mexico, then you know how delicious the street tacos can be. This recipe brings those authentic flavors to your own kitchen. The marinated chicken is grilled to perfection and then topped with fresh cilantro, onion, and salsa. Serve these tacos with some lime wedges and guacamole for a true taste of Mexico.
This non-alcoholic version of ponche is perfect for the whole family to enjoy. The fresh fruit and spices give this punch a delicious and refreshing flavor. Serve it warm with some cinnamon sticks for a festive and flavorful holiday drink. This punch is also great for any Christmas party or gathering.
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Ponche Navideño (Mexican Christmas Punch)
Main Ingredients: Water, Green Apples, Red Apples, Bosc Pears, Sugarcane
If you're a fan of spicy food, then you'll love these beef and red chile tamales. The beef is slow cooked in a spicy red chile sauce before being wrapped in masa dough and steamed to perfection. These tamales are bursting with flavor and are a great addition to any Mexican-themed meal. Serve with some fresh salsa and homemade guacamole for a complete and delicious meal.
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Beef and Red Chile Tamales
Main Ingredients: Boneless Beef Chuck, Small White Onions, Garlic Cloves
These crispy and sweet pastries are a traditional Mexican dessert that is often enjoyed during Christmas or other special occasions. The dough is fried until golden and crispy before being coated in a sweet syrup. Serve them with some ice cream or whipped cream for a tasty treat. These buñuelos are sure to be a hit with everyone in the family.
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Buñuelos Enmielados
Main Ingredients: Anise Seeds, Hot Water, All Purpose Flour, Granulated
This thick and rich hot chocolate is perfect for those cold winter nights. The addition of cinnamon and chili powder gives this drink a spicy kick that is unique and delicious. Serve it with some whipped cream and cinnamon sticks for a festive and delicious drink. This hot chocolate is also perfect for any Christmas party or holiday celebration.
Masa: The Heart of the Tamale
The key to a good tamale lies in the masa, or the corn dough. It serves as the foundation for the entire dish, providing a soft and fluffy texture that pairs perfectly with the filling. In the traditional Mexican Christmas tamales recipe, the masa is made with masa harina, a special type of corn flour made from dried corn kernels that have been cooked in an alkaline solution. This process, known as nixtamalization, gives the masa a distinct flavor and makes it easier to digest. The masa is then combined with lard, chicken broth, salt, and baking powder to create a smooth and pliable dough.
Secret Ingredient: The Red Chile Sauce
The filling for traditional Mexican Christmas tamales consists of tender pieces of pork or chicken, combined with a rich and flavorful red chile sauce. This sauce is made by rehydrating dried guajillo and ancho chiles in hot water, then blending them with garlic, onion, cumin, and salt. The result is a vibrant red sauce that adds a spicy kick to the tamales.
The Assembly Process
Assembling tamales is a labor of love that requires patience and skill. First, the masa is spread onto a corn husk, then a spoonful of the red chile sauce and filling are added in the center. The sides of the corn husk are then folded over the filling, creating a neat little pocket. Finally, the tamales are steamed until the masa is cooked and the filling is tender.
Serving and Enjoying
Once the tamales are cooked, they are unwrapped from their corn husks and served hot. They can be enjoyed on their own or topped with salsa or sour cream. Traditionally, tamales are served with ponche, a hot fruit punch, or atole, a warm corn-based drink. These warm and comforting flavors are the epitome of a traditional Mexican Christmas celebration.
In Conclusion
The traditional Mexican Christmas tamales recipe is more than just a dish – it's a symbol of family, culture, and tradition. Making tamales from scratch may seem daunting, but the end result is well worth the effort. So this holiday season, gather your loved ones and give this cherished recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you.
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