Steps to Making Delicious Tamales

Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. These delicious treats consist of dough made from masa (corn dough), filled with various fillings, wrapped in corn husks, and steamed to perfection. The process of making tamales may seem daunting at first, but with the right steps and a little practice, you can create mouthwatering tamales that will impress your family and friends. Here are the steps to making delicious tamales.

Step 1: Soak the Corn Husks
Start by soaking the corn husks in warm water for at least 30 minutes. This will soften them and make them more pliable for wrapping the tamales. Make sure to place a heavy object on top of the husks to keep them submerged.

Step 2: Prepare the Masa Dough
While the husks are soaking, prepare the masa dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine masa harina (corn flour), vegetable shortening, baking powder, salt, and warm broth or water. Mix well until the dough is smooth and pliable. You can add more water or broth if needed to achieve the right consistency.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling
Tamales can be filled with a variety of ingredients such as shredded chicken, beef, pork, cheese, vegetables, or even sweet fillings like fruits or chocolate. Prepare your filling of choice by cooking the meat or vegetables with your desired seasonings. Once the filling is cooked and seasoned to perfection, set it aside to cool.

Step 4: Assemble the Tamales
Take a soaked corn husk and place it on a clean surface. Spoon a generous amount of masa dough onto the husk. Use a spoon or your fingers to spread the dough evenly, leaving room for the filling. Next, place a spoonful of the cooled filling in the center of the dough. Carefully fold the sides of the corn husk over the filling, then fold the bottom end of the husk up to seal the tamale. Repeat this process until all the dough and filling are used up.

Step 5: Steam the Tamales
To cook the tamales, you will need a large steamer. Place the tamales upright in the steamer, making sure they are tightly packed to prevent them from falling apart. Fill the bottom of the steamer with water, making sure it does not touch the tamales. Cover the steamer with a lid and steam the tamales for approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the masa dough is cooked through.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the tamales are cooked, carefully remove them from the steamer and let them cool for a few minutes. Unwrap the corn husks and serve the tamales while they are still warm. They can be enjoyed as is, with salsa or your favorite hot sauce. Tamales also pair well with Mexican rice and beans for a complete meal.

Making tamales takes time and effort, but the end result is well worth it. The combination of the flavorful masa dough and the delicious filling creates a mouthwatering treat that will make your taste buds dance with joy. So, gather your loved ones, follow these steps, and embark on the journey of making delicious tamales that will leave everyone craving for more.