Mexican Tamale Recipes: How to Make Tamales From Scratch

Setting the Scene

Picture a sunlit kitchen filled with the aroma of savory corn masa and zesty spices swirling together, an inviting warmth that beckons loved ones to gather around. Making tamales is an experience that transcends the kitchen; it’s steeped in tradition and celebration, often shared during holidays, family gatherings, or lazy weekend afternoons. The bustling sounds of laughter and conversation mingle in the air, creating an atmosphere brimming with joy and connection.

Each tamale bursts with rich fillings, wrapped in soft, comforting masa that partners perfectly with everything from succulent meats to roasted vegetables. The satisfaction of unwrapping these delicious gifts, revealing their vibrant colors, and inhaling their delicious scents is akin to unboxing memories of culinary heritage. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or embarking on your first culinary adventure, learning how to make tamales from scratch is a delightful journey worth taking, promising scrumptious rewards with every bite.

What You’ll Need

To create the perfect tamale, gather a few simple ingredients and essential kitchen tools. With these in hand, you’ll embark on a mouthwatering adventure that will make your taste buds dance.

Ingredients

• For the Masa:

  • 4 cups masa harina
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup vegetable shortening
  • 2 to 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth

• For the Filling (choose your favorite):

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken or pork
  • 1 cup cheese (queso fresco or cheddar)
  • 1 cup sautéed vegetables (zucchini, peppers, or corn)
  • 1 cup flavored sauces (red or green salsa)

• For Wrapping:

  • 20-25 dried corn husks (soaked in warm water)

Tools

To bring these delightful tamales to life, you’ll need:

• A large mixing bowl
• A hand mixer or whisk
• A rolling pin or your hands for shaping
• A large steamer pot or a multi-tiered vegetable steamer
• A shallow dish for soaking the corn husks
• A spatula or spoon for spreading the masa

How to Make It

Making tamales can be a delightful process filled with aromatic spices and hands-on fun. Let’s dive into the steps that will guide you to create these comforting, traditional treats.

Prepare the Masa

Start by mixing the masa harina with baking powder and salt in a large bowl, the earthy scent of the corn flour filling the air. As you incorporate the vegetable shortening, feel the crumbly texture change under your fingertips. Once combined, gradually blend in the chicken broth, mixing until you achieve a smooth, pliable dough that is light and airy. This is the canvas for your tamales, and you’ll know it’s ready when it easily forms into a ball and holds its shape without being too sticky.

Build Your Flavor

Next comes the filling, where creativity flourishes! Choose your filling based on your taste preferences or what you have on hand. If you’re going with meat, toss shredded chicken or pork in a bowl and mix in flavorful spices or sauces for that extra zing. For a vegetarian twist, try sautéed zucchini, bell peppers, and corn blended with vibrant salsa. Take delight as the colors dance before you — bright greens, rich reds, and warm yellows all come together to create a rainbow of flavor that will excite your palate.

Assemble the Tamales

Now, it’s time for the fun part: assembling! Take a dried corn husk (after soaking for about 30 minutes to soften) and lay it flat on your workspace. Spread about two tablespoons of masa on the husk, leaving space at the bottom to fold. Add a spoonful of your chosen filling — be careful not to overfill, as tamales tend to burst during cooking. Fold the sides of the husk inward, and then fold up the bottom to secure everything inside. The sound of husks crinkling brings a sense of nostalgia, reminding you that tamales have been cherished by generations before you.

Steam to Perfection

With your tamales assembled, place them upright in a steamer pot or multi-tiered steamer, making sure to leave space for steam to circulate. Cover them with a damp cloth and steam those beauties for about 1 to 1.5 hours. As they cook, the kitchen will fill with a delightful corn aroma, a promise of the deliciousness to come. Keep an eye on the water level; you want to ensure it doesn’t dry out! To check for doneness, simply unwrap one and see if the masa pulls away easily from the husk — an indication that your tamales are perfectly cooked.

Creative Twists

While traditional tamales are a joy, don’t hesitate to experiment! Here are some creative twists to elevate your tamale-making experience:

• Seasonal flavors: For a festive touch, incorporate pumpkin puree with spices in the fall, or roasted beet with goat cheese for a stunning visual and taste in winter.
• Spicy delights: Add a kick by mixing chipotle peppers or jalapeños into your filling or masa.
• Herb-infused masa: Try adding fresh herbs like cilantro or oregano to your masa for an aromatic twist that will elevate the flavor profile tremendously.
• Savory sauces: Serve your tamales with different sauces — a creamy avocado sauce, smoky chipotle mayo, or tangy tomatillo salsa for added layers of flavor.
• Veggie swaps: Consider different vegetables or legumes, such as black beans or sweet potatoes, for a heartier filling that can appeal to a variety of diets.

Final Inspiration

Making tamales from scratch is truly a joyful experience that can transform an ordinary day into something memorable. Whether it be a hearty meal for a Sunday family dinner or a celebration during the holiday season, these tamales are bound to impress and satisfy. Your kitchen will come alive with laughter and chatter as friends and family gather around, each person unfolding their delicious tamale — every bite a tribute to love and tradition.

So roll up your sleeves, embrace the art of making tamales, and share the delightful experience with those around you. These creations will surely become a cherished part of your culinary repertoire, inviting warmth, joy, and comfort into your home. Happy cooking!

Tamales

Delicious homemade tamales filled with your choice of meat, cheese, or vegetables, wrapped in soft masa and steamed to perfection.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main Course, Snack

Cuisine: Mexican

Keyword: Homemade Tamales, Mexican Tamale Recipes, Tamale Filling Choices, Tamales, Traditional Tamales

Prep Time: 1 hour hour

Cook Time: 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 2 hours hours 30 minutes minutes

Servings: 20 tamales

Calories: 200kcal

Ingredients

For the Masa

• 4 cups masa harina
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup vegetable shortening
• 2 to 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth

For the Filling

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken or pork Choose your preferred meat.
• 1 cup cheese (queso fresco or cheddar)
• 1 cup sautéed vegetables (zucchini, peppers, or corn) Choose any combination.
• 1 cup flavored sauces (red or green salsa)

For Wrapping

• 20-25 dried corn husks (soaked in warm water) Soak for about 30 minutes.

Instructions

Prepare the Masa

• Mix the masa harina with baking powder and salt in a large bowl.
• Incorporate the vegetable shortening until crumbly.
• Gradually add chicken broth until the dough is smooth and pliable.

Build Your Flavor

• Choose your filling and mix it with spices or sauces.
• Prepare your colorful filling keeping blend of flavors in mind.

Assemble the Tamales

• Take a soaked corn husk and lay it flat.
• Spread about two tablespoons of masa on the husk.
• Add a spoonful of filling and fold the husk securely.

Steam to Perfection

• Place assembled tamales upright in a steamer and cover with a damp cloth.
• Steam for about 1 to 1.5 hours, ensuring water does not dry out.
• Check doneness by unwrapping one tamale to see if massa pulls away easily.

Notes

Feel free to experiment with different fillings, herbs or seasonal flavors for a creative twist. Always ensure your tamales are not overfilled to prevent bursting while cooking.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 200kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 400mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g