How To Cook A Tamale

All you need to know about: How To Cook A Tamale.

Instructions for Making Tamales

Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish made with masa, a corn-based dough that is filled with meat, vegetables, and/or cheese and then wrapped in a corn husk and steamed. They can be a great side dish to any meal, but they can also stand alone as a main dish. Here are the steps for making tamales.

Step 1: Prepare the Masa

You will need 2 cups of masa harina, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 cup of lard or shortening, 1/2 cup of chicken broth, and 1/2 cup of water. In a large bowl, mix together the masa harina, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat together the lard or shortening, chicken broth, and water until light and fluffy. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until evenly blended.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

You can use any type of meat, vegetable, or cheese for the filling. Cook the meat ahead of time and shred it, or chop the vegetables into small pieces. If using cheese, shred it and set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Tamales

Take a corn husk and spread a spoonful of the masa mixture onto it. Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of the masa and fold the husk over the filling. Tie the husk closed with a piece of string, making sure the tamale is securely closed.

Step 4: Steam the Tamales

Fill a large pot with 1-2 inches of water. Place a steamer basket into the pot and arrange the tamales in the basket. Cover the pot with a lid and bring the water to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and steam the tamales for 45 minutes.

Step 5: Enjoy!

Remove the tamales from the steamer and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve with your favorite toppings, such as salsa or sour cream. Enjoy!