How To Cook Hot Tamales

Master the Art of Cooking Hot Tamales

Hot tamales, with their irresistible combination of tender corn masa and flavorful fillings, are a beloved Mexican delicacy. Learning how to cook hot tamales is not only a culinary adventure but also a delightful way to experience the rich traditions and vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine. So, let’s dive in and discover the secrets to creating these spicy treats in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Gather Your Ingredients

Before you embark on your hot tamale cooking journey, it’s essential to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. 2 cups of masa harina (corn flour)
2. 1 cup of lukewarm water or chicken broth
3. 1/2 cup of vegetable shortening or lard
4. 1 teaspoon of baking powder
5. 1 teaspoon of salt
6. Filling of your choice (e.g., shredded chicken, beef, or cheese)
7. 1 package of dried corn husks
8. Spices and seasonings (optional)

Prepare the Corn Husks

You can find dried corn husks, also known as tamale wrappers, in the Latin section of most grocery stores or online. Follow these steps to prepare the corn husks for wrapping your hot tamales:

1. Soak the corn husks in warm water for about 30 minutes to soften them.
2. Once soft, rinse the husks under running water to remove any debris.
3. Pat dry the husks with a towel and set them aside until you’re ready to use them.

Prepare the Masa Dough

The masa dough is the foundation of any delicious tamale. Here’s how to prepare it:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the masa harina, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the lukewarm water or chicken broth with the vegetable shortening or lard until well combined.
3. Pour the liquid mixture into the masa harina mixture.
4. Knead the dough until it forms a smooth and pliable consistency. You can add more water or masa harina if needed.

Assemble and Cook the Hot Tamales

Now comes the fun part – assembling and cooking your hot tamales:

1. Take a softened corn husk and spread a thin layer of the masa dough onto it, leaving a border around the edges.
2. Place your desired filling in the center of the masa dough. Be creative! You can experiment with different fillings such as seasoned meat, cheese, veggies, or even sweet fillings like fruit or chocolate.
3. Fold the corn husk over the filling and roll it up, tucking the ends under.
4. Repeat this process with the remaining corn husks and dough.
5. Prepare a steamer by filling it with water and bringing it to a gentle boil.
6. Arrange the hot tamales upright in the steamer basket, ensuring they are tightly packed to prevent unraveling during cooking.
7. Cover the steamer and let the tamales steam for about 60-90 minutes, or until the masa is firm and easily separates from the husk.

Serve and Enjoy

Once your hot tamales are cooked to perfection, carefully remove them from the steamer and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them with your favorite toppings and sauces, such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. The spicy aroma and sensational flavors of your homemade hot tamales will undoubtedly impress your family and friends.

So, go ahead and venture into the culinary world of hot tamale making. With a little practice and a touch of creativity, you’ll soon become a master of making these mouthwatering Mexican delights.