Ingredients
- 2 cups masa harina
- 1 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup lard or shortening
- Corn husks
- 2 cups of your choice of filling: shredded chicken, cheese and jalapenos, pork, or beans
Step 1: Soaking the Corn Husks
Begin by soaking the corn husks in warm water for about 30 minutes. This will help soften them and make them more pliable for wrapping the tamales.
Step 2: Preparing the Masa Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine the masa harina, baking powder, and salt. Mix well. In a separate bowl, beat the lard or shortening until fluffy. Gradually add the masa mixture and broth to the beaten lard, alternating between the two. Continue beating until the dough is smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Assembling the Tamales
Take a soaked corn husk and pat it dry. Spread a thin layer of masa dough onto the center of the husk, leaving some space around the edges. Place your desired filling in the center of the dough. Fold the sides of the husk inward, enclosing the filling, and then fold the bottom of the husk up. Secure the tamale by tying it gently with a strip of soaked corn husk or kitchen twine.
Step 4: Steaming the Tamales
Fill a large steamer pot with water, making sure it doesn’t touch the tamales when placed inside. Arrange the tamales vertically in the steamer, open side up. Cover the pot and steam over medium heat for about 1 hour, or until the dough becomes firm and easily pulls away from the husk.
Step 5: Serving and Enjoying
Remove the tamales from the steamer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Unwrap the tamale husks, and you’re ready to enjoy your homemade tamales! Serve them with your favorite salsa or toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or pico de gallo.
Now that you have the knowledge of making tamales from scratch, it’s time to gather the ingredients and start cooking. Your family and friends will be amazed at your authentic Mexican culinary skills!