The holidays are a time for family, friends, and of course, food. One of the most popular holiday dishes is tamales. Tamales are a type of Mexican dish that consists of a corn dough filled with various ingredients, including meats, cheeses, and vegetables. They are then wrapped in a corn husk or banana leaf and steamed. Tamales are often served during Christmas and New Year’s celebrations.
If you’re looking to add something new to your holiday menu this year, or if you’re simply curious about this popular dish, read on for everything you need to know about tamales.
What is a tamale
A tamale is a traditional Mexican dish made of cornmeal dough that is steamed or boiled in a corn husk or banana leaf. The dough is typically filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables, and the tamale can be either savory or sweet.
Tamales are an incredibly versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They make a great portable meal, as they can be easily wrapped up and eaten on the go. Tamales are also relatively inexpensive to make, which makes them a great option for budget-minded home cooks.
If you’ve never had a tamale before, now is the time to give them a try!
How are tamales made
Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish made of masa (a type of corn dough) or rice flour dough, which is steamed in a corn husk or banana leaf. The filling can be anything from meat and vegetables to fruits and nuts, and the tamales are often served with a salsa or mole sauce.
Tamales are made by first soaking the corn husks or banana leaves in water to make them pliable. Next, the dough is prepared and the filling is cooked. The husks or leaves are then filled with the dough and filling, and tied shut. Finally, the tamales are steamed until cooked through.
What is the history of tamales
The history of tamales can be traced back to the ancient Aztecs and Mayans. These Mesoamerican cultures filled corn husks with a variety of meats, vegetables, and spices to create a delicious and portable meal. Today, tamales are enjoyed all over Latin America and the southwestern United States. While the fillings and ingredients may vary, the tradition of eating tamales remains the same.
How do you make a tamale
A tamale is a dish made of masa or cornmeal dough, typically filled with meat and vegetables, and wrapped in a corn husk or banana leaf before being steamed. Tamales can be traced back to pre-Columbian times, when the indigenous people of Mesoamerica would wrap small bundles of food in leaves and cook them over hot coals.
Today, tamales are enjoyed all over Latin America, and each country has its own unique take on the dish. In Mexico, tamales are often served during religious festivals and holidays, while in Guatemala they are more commonly eaten as a street food. No matter where you enjoy them, tamales are a delicious way to experience the culinary traditions of Latin America.
To make a tamale, you will need:
2 cups masa harina
1 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
1 cup shredded cooked chicken
1/2 cup frozen whole kernel corn
1/4 cup chopped green onions
10 to 12 (6-inch) corn husks or banana leaves
Soak the corn husks or banana leaves in hot water for 30 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine the masa harina, chicken broth, vegetable oil, baking powder, and salt. Stir until the mixture forms a soft dough. Fold in the diced tomatoes with green chiles, chicken, corn, and green onions.
To assemble the tamales, lay a corn husk or banana leaf on a work surface. Scoop 1/4 cup of the masa dough onto the center of the husk. Using your fingers, spread the dough into a 4-inch square. Fold up the bottom end of the husk to cover the filling, then fold in the sides. Tie the top closed with string or strip of husk. Repeat with the remaining husks and filling.
Place the tamales in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for 1 hour. Remove from the steamer and let cool for 5 minutes before unwrapping and serving.
What ingredients do you need to make tamales
When it comes to tamales, there are a few key ingredients that you absolutely need in order to make them successfully. First, you need masa harina, which is a type of corn flour that is used to make the tamale dough. Second, you need lard or vegetable shortening, which helps to give the tamales their traditional flavor and texture. Finally, you will need some sort of filling, whether it be chicken, pork, beef, or vegetables. Once you have all of these ingredients, you are well on your way to making some delicious tamales!
How do you cook tamales
There is nothing quite like a tamale. The combination of cornmeal, spices, and meat (or vegetables) wrapped in a corn husk and steamed to perfection is simply irresistible. Tamales are a staple of Mexican cuisine and are enjoyed by people all over the world.
If you’ve never had the pleasure of eating a tamale, or if you’ve never even seen one before, don’t worry – they’re not difficult to make. In fact, once you get the hang of it, cooking tamales can be quite fun!
The first step is to gather all of your ingredients. You’ll need some masa harina (a type of corn flour), lard (or vegetable shortening), salt, water, and your filling of choice. For the filling, you can use just about anything you like – chicken, beef, pork, cheese, beans, vegetables, etc.
Once you have all of your ingredients, it’s time to start making the tamale dough. In a large bowl, combine the masa harina, lard, salt, and water. Mix everything together until it forms a soft dough. If the dough is too dry, add a little more water; if it’s too wet, add a little more masa harina.
Now it’s time to assemble the tamales. Take a small ball of dough and flatten it out on a corn husk. Spread the dough out evenly, leaving about an inch of space at the top and bottom of the husk. Add your filling down the center of the dough, then fold up the sides of the husk so that the tamale is completely wrapped up.
Once all of your tamales are assembled, it’s time to cook them. Place them in a steamer basket or pot and cover with water. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about an hour or until the tamales are cooked through.
Tamales are best served hot with a little bit of salsa or sour cream on top. Enjoy!
Can you freeze tamales
You can freeze tamales, but it’s best to eat them fresh. Tamales are a Mexican dish made of cornmeal dough, typically filled with meat or vegetables, and wrapped in a corn husk or banana leaf before being steamed. They’re often eaten for special occasions, like Christmas or Cinco de Mayo.
If you do freeze tamales, make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Frozen tamales will keep for two to three months. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw the tamales overnight in the refrigerator and then steam them for about 20 minutes before serving.
How long do tamales last
When it comes to tamales, the answer to how long they last is a bit complicated. On the one hand, tamales are traditionally made with fresh ingredients and meant to be eaten soon after they’re cooked. However, tamales can also be frozen and saved for later. So, how long do tamales last?
If you’re planning on eating your tamales right away, then they’ll probably only last a day or two in the fridge. However, if you’re looking to save your tamales for later, then freezing them is your best bet. Frozen tamales will last for several months, so you can always have a delicious treat on hand!
What are some popular tamale fillings
Some popular tamale fillings include: beef, pork, chicken, cheese, and vegetables. Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish made of cornmeal dough (masa) that is steamed or boiled in a leaf wrapper. The filling is typically placed in the center of the dough before being rolled up and cooked.
