Tamales

Tamales are a beloved traditional dish that brings people together in a shared cooking effort. Though they require time and effort, the final product is undoubtedly worth it. If you’re looking for a quicker version, you can try the “Naked” Tamales variation. The classic recipe calls for lard, but we offer an alternative that uses extra virgin olive oil for those who prefer it.

MAKES: 24 tamales

TIME: At least 2 hours

INGREDIENTS:

• 24 dried corn husks
• 2 pounds ground fresh masa or 3 1/2 cups dry masa harina
• 2 1/4 cups chicken stock (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 cup lard, cubed (or 1 cup solidified extra virgin olive oil for alternative)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 1/2 cups Shredded Pork, shredded cooked chicken, or Real Refried Beans

INSTRUCTIONS:

Prepare the Corn Husks:

• 1. Sort through the dried corn husks to ensure they are clean and free of debris.
  2. Soak the corn husks in warm water for at least 3 hours or overnight until they become pliable. Continue soaking them until ready to use.

Prepare the Masa Dough:

• 1. If using dry masa harina, add the chicken stock a little at a time to the masa harina, mixing until it forms a crumbly mixture.
  2. If using fresh masa, beat the lard with the salt and baking powder in a mixer until fluffy. Gradually add the masa and chicken stock while continuously beating until the dough is light and fluffy.

Assemble the Tamales:

• 1. Take a soaked corn husk and pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel. Lay it flat on your work surface with the wider end facing you.
  2. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of masa dough onto the center of the husk, spreading it into a rectangle about 3 inches wide and 4 inches long, leaving some space at the edges.
  3. Add about 1 tablespoon of your chosen filling (Shredded Pork, shredded cooked chicken, or Real Refried Beans) on top of the masa dough.

Roll and Fold the Tamales:

• 1. To form the tamale, carefully fold the sides of the corn husk over the filling to enclose it fully. The masa dough should wrap around the filling.
  2. Fold the bottom of the husk (the pointed end) up to cover the tamale’s bottom, leaving the top part open.

Tie the Tamales:

• 1. Using kitchen string, tie the open end of the husk to secure the tamale. This ensures the tamale stays tightly wrapped during steaming.
  2. Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients until all tamales are assembled.

Steam the Tamales:

• 1. Set up a large steamer by placing a steamer rack about 2 inches above gently boiling water.
  2. Arrange the tamales on the steamer rack, seam side down, ensuring they are not too tightly packed.
  3. Cover the steamer and steam the tamales for about 45 minutes, or until they are cooked through.
  4. To test for doneness, remove one tamale from the steamer, carefully open the husk, and check if the filling is firm and easily comes away from the husk.

Serve and Enjoy:

• 1. Once the tamales are cooked, serve them warm or at room temperature.
  2. Unwrap the tamale from the corn husk before eating and savor the delicious flavors.

VARIATIONS:

• Naked Tamales: This variation skips the use of corn husks and substitutes them with ramekins. The cooking time is reduced, making it a faster option. Layer half the masa in a greased loaf pan, add the filling, cover with the remaining dough, and bake until done.
• Alternative Fat: Instead of traditional lard, you can use solidified extra virgin olive oil. The texture won’t be the same, but the results are still satisfying.

USES:

Tamales can be filled with various delicious options, including:

• Shredded Pork or Chicken: Classic fillings using shredded cooked pork or chicken.
• Real Refried Beans: For a vegetarian option, use real refried beans as a delightful filling.
• Turkey Thighs in Almond Mole: Enjoy the rich flavors of turkey thighs in almond mole.
• Spicy Boneless Chicken Thighs: Broiled or grilled boneless chicken thighs with a spicy twist.
• Braised Beef Brisket: Savor the tenderness of braised beef brisket as a delightful filling.
• West Indian Crispy Pork Bits with Mexican Flavors: Experience the fusion of West Indian and Mexican flavors with crispy pork bits.
• Beer-Glazed Black Beans: A tasty option for bean lovers, featuring beer-glazed black beans.
• Chili Non-Carne: Enjoy a vegetarian chili filling, packed with flavor.
• Grilled Vegetables: Add a healthy touch with chopped grilled vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, chiles, and more.
• Fresh Corn with Queso Fresco: A simple and delightful filling with raw fresh corn kernels and a sprinkle of queso fresco.

Whether you choose the traditional version with lard or the alternative olive oil version, tamales are sure to delight your taste buds and provide a satisfying and comforting meal. Gather your friends and family, make it a group effort, and enjoy the process of creating these cherished treats. From the filling to the wrapping, every step is an opportunity to bond and create lasting memories. Serve these tamales warm or at room temperature, and relish in the joy of sharing a classic dish that embodies the spirit of togetherness and tradition.