Description
Learn how to make traditional Mexican tamales from scratch with this easy-to-follow recipe. These tamales are filled with delicious options like red chili pork, salsa verde chicken, or bean and cheese, wrapped in corn husks, and steamed to perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- 4 cups Masa Harina
- 3 cups broth (beef, chicken, or vegetable broth)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 1/3 cups lard
- 8 ounce package dried corn husks
Filling ideas:
- Red chili pork
- Salsa verde chicken (See notes for recipe)
- Bean and cheese (See notes for recipe)
- Authentic Mexican Rice, for serving, optional
Instructions
- Soak the corn husks: In a bowl of very hot water for 30 minutes or until softened.
- Prepare desired fillings: Choose from the filling ideas provided.
- Make the tamal dough: Beat lard and broth until fluffy. Combine masa flour, baking powder, salt, and cumin. Add broth to form a soft dough.
- Assemble the tamales: Spread dough on corn husks, add filling, fold, and tie if desired.
- Cook: Steam tamales on the stove-top or Instant Pot until done.
- Test for doneness: Check if husk pulls away cleanly from the tamale.
Notes
- Tying tamales is optional but can help identify fillings.
- Store leftover tamales in the refrigerator for 5-7 days.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tamale
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Mexican tamales, tamale recipe, traditional tamales
