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tamales authentic mexican

Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish made of masa (corn dough) filled with various ingredients, wrapped in corn husks, and steamed until tender. This recipe captures the authentic flavors and techniques of making tamales from scratch.
Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Course main dish
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4 People
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 mixing bowl
  • 1 electric mixer or wooden spoon
  • 1 pot (for steaming)
  • 1 tamale steamer or steaming rack
  • 1 measuring cups and spoons
  • 1 ladle

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups masa harina
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup vegetable shortening
  • 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken Or filling of choice.
  • 1 cup red chili sauce Or sauce of your choice.
  • 12 corn husks soaked in warm water

Instructions
 

  • Soak the corn husks in warm water for at least an hour to soften them.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine masa harina, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.
  • In another bowl, beat the vegetable shortening with an electric mixer until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Gradually add the masa harina mixture to the shortening while alternating with chicken broth. Mix until the dough is smooth and easily forms a ball.
  • Take a soaked corn husk and lay it flat. Spread about ¼ cup of the masa dough onto the husk, leaving about 1 inch at the bottom and 2 inches on the sides.
  • Add 2 tablespoons of shredded chicken and 1 tablespoon of red chili sauce in the center of the masa.
  • Fold the sides of the husk over the filling, then fold the bottom up to enclose the filling completely, forming a pocket. Repeat this process for all husks.
  • Place a steaming rack in a large pot and fill the pot with water until it is just below the rack. Arrange the tamales upright in the pot.
  • Cover the tamales with a damp cloth and steam over medium heat for about 90 minutes. Check occasionally to ensure the water doesn’t evaporate completely. Add more water as needed.
  • Tamales are done when the masa easily separates from the husk. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

You can customize the filling according to your preference, using cheese, vegetables, or other proteins.
Serve tamales with extra chili sauce or freshly made salsa for added flavor.
Leftover tamales can be refrigerated and reheated in a steamer or microwave.