Christmas feasts are a great time to try new culinary traditions, and adding a Mexican twist with tamales is a perfect option. This step-by-step guide provides instructions on how to make tamales for your holiday feast. The ingredient list includes masa harina, water/broth, baking powder, salt, lard/vegetable shortening, shredded cooked meat, and a filling of your choice. The process involves preparing the masa dough, soaking the corn husks, preparing the filling, assembling the tamales, and steaming them. Once cooked, unwrap the tamales and serve them with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. Adding tamales to your menu will impress your guests and bring Mexican flair to your Christmas celebration.
Include Tamales in Your Christmas Feast for a Mexican Twist
Introduction
Christmas feasts are an excellent opportunity to explore different culinary traditions and add a unique twist to your celebration. If you’re looking to incorporate a Mexican touch into your holiday menu, tamales are the perfect option. Tamales are a delicious and beloved dish in Mexican cuisine, and they’re often enjoyed during special occasions and holidays. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the process of making tamales for your Christmas feast.
Ingredients
- 2 cups masa harina
- 1 cup warm water or broth
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup lard or vegetable shortening
- 1 cup shredded cooked meat (such as beef, chicken, or pork)
- 1 cup filling of your choice (such as cheese and jalapeños, beans, or roasted vegetables)
- Dried corn husks
Instructions
Prepare the masa dough
- In a large bowl, mix the masa harina, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the lard or vegetable shortening using a fork or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the warm water or broth gradually while kneading the dough until it reaches a soft consistency.
Soak the corn husks
- Place the dried corn husks in a large bowl or sink.
- Pour boiling water over them and let them soak for about 30 minutes until they become pliable.
- Drain the corn husks and pat them dry.
Prepare the filling
- Choose your desired filling, such as cheese and jalapeños, beans, or roasted vegetables.
- If using cheese, shred it and mix it with diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- If using beans, drain and rinse them before mashing them with a fork.
- If using roasted vegetables, chop them into small pieces.
Assemble the tamales
- Take a soaked corn husk and spread about 2 tablespoons of masa dough onto the center, leaving the top and bottom edges bare.
- Add a spoonful of your chosen filling along the center of the dough.
- Fold one side of the corn husk over the filling, then fold the other side over the top, enclosing the filling completely.
- Roll the corn husk tightly, ensuring the dough and filling are well sealed inside.
- Repeat the process until all the masa dough and filling are used.
Steam the tamales
- Place a steamer insert or vegetable steamer rack in a large pot.
- Add about 2 inches of water to the pot and bring to a simmer.
- Stand the tamales upright in the steamer, leaning them against the sides of the pot.
- Cover the pot with a lid and steam the tamales for approximately 1-1.5 hours until the masa dough is firm and cooked through.
Serve and enjoy
Once the tamales are cooked, carefully remove them from the pot and let them cool for a few minutes. To serve, unwrap the corn husks and present the tamales on a platter. You can garnish them with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for added flavor.
Add some Mexican flair to your Christmas feast this year by including tamales. The process may require a bit of time and effort, but the end result is undoubtedly worth it. Your guests will be delighted by this traditional Mexican dish, and it’s a fantastic way to celebrate with your loved ones. Enjoy this unique and flavorful addition to your holiday menu!