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Mexican Tamales

Mexican Tamales

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Learn how to create authentic Mexican Tamales at home with this straightforward recipe. Perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or cozy family dinners, these savory treats are filled with tender beef and wrapped in fluffy masa dough, delivering a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The process may seem intricate, but making tamales is a rewarding experience that allows for customization based on your preferences. Enjoy the rich taste of traditional spices and transform your kitchen into a hub of delicious aromas!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ounces guajillo chiles
  • 3 ounces ancho chiles
  • Water, as needed
  • 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
  • 3 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
  • ¾ teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 ½ pounds boneless beef shoulder, cut into large 4-inch chunks
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 8 ¼ cups masa harina
  • 1 ¾ tablespoons fine salt
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 ¾ cups canola or avocado oil
  • 7 cups broth (chicken, beef, or vegetable, plus more as needed)
  • 50 corn husks
  • Hot water, as needed

Instructions

  1. Soak corn husks in hot water for about an hour.
  2. Make the chile sauce by blending soaked guajillo and ancho chiles with garlic powder, salt, and cumin until smooth.
  3. Cook the beef in olive oil until browned, then add the chile sauce and simmer for about 2 ½ hours until tender.
  4. Prepare the masa dough by mixing masa harina, salt, baking powder, and oil; gradually add warm broth until smooth.
  5. Assemble tamales by spreading masa on corn husks, adding filling, and folding.
  6. Steam for approximately 2 ½ hours.

Nutrition

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