Delicious and Authentic Chicken Tamales Recipe
Looking to spice up your cooking skills with a traditional Mexican dish? Look no further! In this article, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of cooking mouthwatering chicken tamales. With a little bit of patience and love for the culinary arts, you’ll be able to create a truly memorable meal that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of masa harina (corn flour)
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1/2 cup of vegetable shortening
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup of salsa verde
- Corn husks, soaked in warm water
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the masa harina, chicken broth, shortening, baking powder, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels too dry, add a little more broth. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the salsa verde until well coated.
- Drain the corn husks and pat them dry. Take one corn husk and spread a spoonful of the masa dough onto it, leaving a border around the edges.
- Add a spoonful of the chicken and salsa mixture onto the center of the masa dough.
- Carefully fold the sides of the corn husk to enclose the filling, forming a neat package. Secure the tamale by tying it with a strip of soaked corn husk or kitchen twine.
- Repeat the process with the remaining corn husks and filling until all the ingredients are used.
- Prepare a large steamer or pot with a steam basket. Fill the bottom with water and bring it to a boil.
- Arrange the tamales in the steam basket, standing them upright with the open end facing up. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket.
- Cover the tamales with a damp cloth or extra corn husks to prevent them from drying out.
- Steam the tamales for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until the masa dough is firm and cooked through.
- Remove the tamales from the steamer and let them cool slightly before unwrapping.
- Serve the chicken tamales warm with additional salsa verde, sour cream, and chopped cilantro for garnish.
Now that you have learned how to cook chicken tamales, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. These savory treats are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a festive gathering. So gather your loved ones around the table and savor the authentic flavors of Mexico with this delicious recipe. ¡Buen provecho!
Share your tips and tricks for making the perfect chicken tamales in the Cooking Techniques forum.
FAQ:
What ingredients do I need to cook chicken tamales?
To cook chicken tamales, you will need the following ingredients:
– 2 cups masa harina (corn flour)
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
– 1/2 cup lard or vegetable shortening
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
– Corn husks for wrapping
– Salsa or hot sauce (optional, for serving)
– 2 cups masa harina (corn flour)
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
– 1/2 cup lard or vegetable shortening
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
– Corn husks for wrapping
– Salsa or hot sauce (optional, for serving)
How do I prepare the corn husks for chicken tamales?
To prepare the corn husks for chicken tamales, you should soak them in warm water for approximately 30 minutes or until they become pliable. Once they are soft, pat them dry with a kitchen towel before using them to wrap the tamales.
How do I make the masa dough for chicken tamales?
To make the masa dough for chicken tamales, start by beating the lard or vegetable shortening with an electric mixer until it becomes fluffy. In a separate bowl, mix the masa harina with baking powder, salt, and chili powder (if desired). Gradually add the dry ingredients and chicken broth to the lard, mixing until well combined and a smooth dough is formed.
How do I assemble the chicken tamales?
To assemble chicken tamales, take a soaked corn husk and spread a thin layer of the prepared masa dough onto the center of the husk, leaving a border around the edges. Place a spoonful of shredded chicken in the center of the masa dough. Gently fold the sides of the corn husk towards the center, enclosing the filling. Fold the bottom of the husk up, and secure the tamale by tying it with a small strip of soaked husk or kitchen twine.
How do I cook chicken tamales?
To cook chicken tamales, place them in a steamer basket over boiling water. Steam the tamales for approximately 1 to 1.5 hours or until the masa dough is cooked and firm. Make sure to check the water level periodically and add more if needed. Once cooked, allow the tamales to cool slightly before unwrapping and serving.
Can I make chicken tamales ahead of time?
Yes, you can make chicken tamales ahead of time. Once the tamales are cooked and cooled, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat them in a steamer or microwave until heated through.
What are some serving suggestions for chicken tamales?
Chicken tamales can be served on their own as a flavorful and satisfying main dish. However, they can also be accompanied by various toppings and sides such as salsa, hot sauce, sour cream, guacamole, or pico de gallo. Pair them with a side of Mexican rice and beans for a complete meal.
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