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Easy Tamales for Beginners

A simple and delicious recipe for homemade tamales, perfect for beginners looking to explore traditional Mexican cuisine.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Tamale Dough
  • 2 cups masa harina corn flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup vegetable shortening or lard
  • 1.5 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
Filling
  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 1 cup salsa your choice of heat
Assembly
  • 20 pieces dried corn husks soaked in warm water for 30 minutes

Method
 

Prepare the Dough
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine masa harina, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.
  2. Add vegetable shortening and mix until crumbly. Gradually add chicken broth until a soft dough forms.
Prepare the Filling
  1. In a separate bowl, mix shredded chicken with salsa until well combined.
Assemble the Tamales
  1. Take a soaked corn husk and spread about 1/4 cup of dough onto the center.
  2. Add 2 tablespoons of filling on top of the dough.
  3. Fold the sides of the corn husk over the filling and then fold the bottom up to secure.
Steam the Tamales
  1. Place tamales upright in a steamer and steam for about 90 minutes, or until the masa pulls away from the husk easily.

Notes

Serve with additional salsa or guacamole for dipping.