Humitas: South American Tamales
Description: Humitas are a delightful cousin to traditional tamales, rich in flavors derived from fresh corn and aromatic vegetables. This recipe brings you a taste of South America, reflecting a collection of American Indian recipes. The savory filling, enveloped in tender corn husks, makes for a perfect dish to share with family and friends.
Recipe Overview
| Recipe Category | Corn |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 1 hour |
| Total Time | 1 hour 10 minutes |
| Servings | Approximately 12 humitas |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 8 | Fresh corn |
| ½ teaspoon | Salt |
| ½ teaspoon | Black pepper |
| 3 tablespoons | Butter |
| 1 tablespoon | Sugar |
| 1 | Onion (finely chopped) |
| 1 cup | Milk |
| 1 | Tomato (chopped) |
| 2 | Eggs (beaten) |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 199.7 |
| Total Fat | 9.3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4.6 g |
| Cholesterol | 87.2 mg |
| Sodium | 282.6 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 26.9 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.8 g |
| Sugars | 6 g |
| Protein | 6.7 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Corn: Begin by carefully cutting the kernels off the cobs, ensuring you save both the cobs and the husks for later use. This fresh corn will be the star of your humitas.
-
-
Soften the Husks: Select the largest corn husks and place them in a pan of boiling water for a few minutes to soften. This step is crucial as it allows for easier folding and wrapping of your humitas.
-
Cook the Aromatics: In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, allowing its natural sweetness to develop.
-
Combine with Tomatoes: Introduce the chopped tomato to the skillet, along with salt, black pepper, and sugar. Cook this mixture for approximately 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally until the tomatoes break down and mingle beautifully with the onions.
-
Incorporate the Corn Mixture: Add the corn kernels to the skillet, followed by the milk and beaten eggs. Stir continuously for about 10 minutes, ensuring the mixture thickens slightly and the flavors meld together harmoniously.
-
Prepare the Corn Husks: Carefully remove the softened husks from the water and gently pat them dry. This step prevents excess moisture from interfering with the steaming process.
-
Assemble the Humitas: On each husk, place approximately 3 tablespoons of the corn mixture in the center. Fold the sides of the husks over the filling to form a small package. If the husks are too short, you may use two leaves to create a larger wrapping. Tie each package securely with kitchen string to keep everything contained.
-
Steam the Humitas: In a large pot, arrange the saved corn cobs at the bottom to create a steaming platform. Place your neatly tied humitas on top of the cobs, ensuring they are not submerged in water. Cover the pot with a lid and steam the humitas for about 30 minutes. The steam will cook the corn mixture and impart a wonderful flavor.
-
Serve and Enjoy: After steaming, carefully remove the humitas from the pot. Serve them hot, allowing everyone to unwrap their own little corn packet. These delightful treats are perfect as a side dish or a light meal on their own.
These humitas embody a rich tradition of South American cooking, offering a unique flavor profile that is both comforting and satisfying. Enjoy this recipe on any occasion, and let its warmth and deliciousness bring friends and family together.
