How To Cook Tamales Without Steamer

Delicious Tamales: A Step-by-Step Guide to Cook Them Without a Steamer

When it comes to Mexican cuisine, one dish that stands out for its rich flavors and cultural significance is the tamale. Traditionally, tamales are made by steaming masa dough filled with various savory or sweet fillings. However, what if you don’t have a steamer at home? Don’t worry, you can still enjoy these mouthwatering treats by using alternative cooking methods. In this article, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to cook tamales without a steamer.

What You’ll Need

Before we delve into the cooking process, make sure you have the following supplies on hand:

1. Large pot with a lid
2. Heatproof plate or metal colander
3. Foil or banana leaves
4. Water
5. Tamales ingredients of your choice (masa dough, fillings, and seasonings)

Step 1: Prepare the Tamales

If you haven’t already, prepare your tamales by spreading the masa dough onto corn husks and adding your desired fillings. Fold the husks neatly to enclose the filling securely. This step is crucial as it determines the final taste and texture of your tamales.

Step 2: Set Up the Pot

Fill a large pot with water, ensuring that the water level is below the plate or metal colander you’ll be using for steaming. Place the plate or colander at the bottom of the pot. This setup will help prevent the tamales from coming into direct contact with the water.

Step 3: Arrange the Tamales

Arrange the prepared tamales upright on the plate or colander, ensuring they are tightly packed to prevent them from unraveling during the cooking process. If you have a large batch, you can stack multiple layers with a foil or banana leaf between each layer to aid in even cooking.

Step 4: Cover and Simmer

Cover the pot with a lid and place it on the stove over medium heat. Allow the water to come to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let the tamales cook for about 1 to 1.5 hours. Remember to periodically check the water level and add more if necessary.

Step 5: Test for Doneness

To check if the tamales are fully cooked, carefully remove one from the pot and open it. The masa should be firm, cooked through, and easily separate from the corn husk. If it’s still mushy or sticking to the husk, steam them for a bit longer until they reach the desired consistency.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once your tamales are cooked to perfection, remove them from the pot and let them cool slightly before serving. The corn husks impart a delightful aroma, enhancing the overall taste of the tamales. Serve them with your favorite salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for an irresistible combination of flavors.

Now that you know how to cook tamales without a steamer, you can indulge in this traditional Mexican delight anytime you want. With a few simple steps and some patience, you’ll be able to enjoy the delicious flavors and tender texture of homemade tamales, even without a steamer. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps above, and savor every bite of these mouthwatering treats!