Grandmother’s Tamales Recipe 🌽❤️
Ingredients:
For the Tamale Dough:
4 cups masa harina (corn flour)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup lard or vegetable shortening
2-3 cups chicken broth (or water)
1 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for flavor)
For the Filling:
2 cups cooked and shredded meat (pork, chicken, or beef)
1 cup red or green salsa (homemade or store-bought)
Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly:
Corn husks (soaked in warm water for 30 minutes)
Directions:
Prepare the Filling:
In a bowl, mix the cooked, shredded meat with the salsa. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Make the Tamale Dough: 2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the masa harina, baking powder, salt, and chili powder (if using). 3. In a separate bowl, beat the lard or vegetable shortening until fluffy. 4. Gradually add the masa mixture to the lard, alternating with the chicken broth, mixing until the dough is light and spreadable. It should have a consistency similar to peanut butter.
Assemble the Tamales: 5. Drain the soaked corn husks and pat dry. Lay a corn husk flat on a clean surface. 6. Spread about 2-3 tablespoons of tamale dough onto the center of the husk, leaving about 1-2 inches at the bottom and a little space on the sides. 7. Add a tablespoon of the meat filling on top of the dough. 8. Fold the sides of the husk over the filling, then fold up the bottom of the husk to secure the tamale. 9. Repeat until all the dough and filling are used.
Cook the Tamales: 10. Arrange the tamales upright in a large steamer pot. You can add a small amount of water to the bottom of the pot. 11. Cover the tamales with a damp cloth and steam for about 1-1.5 hours, or until the dough pulls away from the husk easily. 12. Check occasionally to ensure there’s enough water in the pot.
Serve: 13. Once cooked, let the tamales cool for a few minutes. Serve with additional salsa or your favorite sides.
Enjoy your grandmother’s delicious tamales!