Authentic Mexican Tamales Recipe
Cook Time: 4 hours
Prep Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 6 hours
Description: In response to a request. I have not made these myself…but have had many a happy New Years eating them when received from a neighbor! I have no idea how long this takes. Seems like the family all got together before the holiday and spent the day cooking various amazing Mexican delights.
Recipe Category: Pork
Keywords: Poultry, Meat, Southwestern U.S., Mexican, Potluck, Spicy, Weeknight, For Large Groups, Steam, Stove Top, Inexpensive
Aggregated Rating: 4
Review Count: 1
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 644.8
- Fat: 30.5g
- Saturated Fat: 10.9g
- Cholesterol: 66.2mg
- Sodium: 276.4mg
- Carbohydrates: 69.3g
- Fiber: 5.8g
- Sugar: 1.5g
- Protein: 24.6g
Ingredients:
- 5 pieces of beef
- 6-7 cups masa harina flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup lard
- 1 1/2 cups red chili sauce
- Corn husks (cleaned in warm water)
Instructions:
-
Cook the Meat:
- Boil the beef in a large covered pot with enough water to cover completely.
- Add salt to taste and slow boil until completely done.
- Cool the meat and save the broth.
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Prepare the Filling:
- Shred the cooled meat and mix in the red chili sauce.
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Prepare the Corn Husks:
- Clean the corn husks in warm water and set aside.
-
Make the Masa:
- In a mixing bowl, combine masa harina flour, lard, salt, and enough broth (saved from cooking the meat) to make a smooth paste.
- Beat until a small amount (1 teaspoon) will float in a cup of cool water.
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Assemble the Tamales:
- Spread a thin layer (1/8 to 1/4 inch thick) of masa onto each corn husk.
- Add a small amount of the meat filling onto the masa.
- Roll up the tamale and fold up the ends of the corn husk to secure.
-
Steam the Tamales:
- Place the assembled tamales (fold down) on a rack in a deep pan suitable for steaming.
- Add 1 to 2 inches of water to the pan and cover tightly with a lid.
- Steam the tamales for about 1 1/2 hours. (A cloth can be used under the lid to make a tighter fit).
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Once steamed, serve the tamales hot.
- Feel free to add additional ingredients such as olives or raisins to the filling for extra flavor.
This recipe yields approximately 4 to 5 dozen authentic Mexican tamales, perfect for sharing with friends and family during festive occasions or anytime you crave a taste of traditional Mexican cuisine. So gather your loved ones and embark on a culinary adventure to create these delicious tamales together! 🌮🎉
