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Mexican Tamales

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Mexican Tamales are a delightful culinary experience that bring warmth and joy to any gathering. This traditional dish is not just about the delicious flavors; it’s about creating memories with loved ones as you cook together. Made with fluffy masa and a savory filling, these tamales are perfect for meal prep and are always a hit at potlucks and family celebrations. The best part? You can customize them to suit everyone’s taste, making them a versatile option for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ounces guajillo chiles, (rinsed, stemmed, and seeded)
  • 3 ounces ancho chiles, (rinsed, stemmed, and seeded)
  • 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 (about half of a 4.4 lb bag of Maseca)
  • 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 (about ½–¾ pound bag)
  • Hot water, (as needed)

Instructions

  1. Soak corn husks in hot water for about an hour until pliable.
  2. Prepare the chile sauce by boiling guajillo and ancho chiles with water, then blend until smooth.
  3. Sear seasoned beef in olive oil until browned, then combine with the chile sauce and simmer for two-and-a-half hours until tender.
  4. Mix masa harina, salt, baking powder, and oil in a bowl; gradually add broth to form a soft dough.
  5. Spread masa on soaked corn husks, add filling, fold, and steam for two-and-a-half hours.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchensecretstips.com/mexican-tamales/