Tamale Recipe
Savory tamales with rich meat filling and spicy tomato sauce, perfect for hearty gatherings or festive occasions, offering bold flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup water ⓘ
- 2 large onions ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon garlic ⓘ
- 3 pounds ground meat ⓘ
- 2 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 (2.5 oz) can McCormick hot chili powder ⓘ
- 4 teaspoons red pepper ⓘ
- 5 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1 cup white cornmeal ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons cumin ⓘ
- 2 cups white cornmeal ⓘ
- 2 cups yellow cornmeal ⓘ
Instructions
- Simmer the mixture in a covered pot for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
- Allow the tamales and sauce to cool before storing or serving.
- Tamales and sauce may be frozen after cooking for future use.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef; this will lighten the dish while still retaining great taste. If you prefer a milder tamale, reduce the amount of chili powder and red pepper. Adding a touch of lime juice or zest can brighten the flavors. Don’t forget to soak corn husks in warm water for at least an hour before using to make them pliable.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the tamales hot with a side of Oscar'S Hot Sauce for a spicy kick. They also pair beautifully with Guacamole(An Authentic Mexican Recipe) for added creaminess. Consider a refreshing drink like Best Margaritas to complement the flavors. For a complete meal, serve alongside a fresh salad or some Mexican rice.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover tamales in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, steam them for about 15-20 minutes or place them in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel for a few minutes until heated through. You can also freeze tamales after cooking; wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tamale Recipe contains roughly 1308 calories, with 78g protein, 169g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (157% of the Daily Value), and protein (155% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when the tamales are done cooking?
Tamales are done when the masa pulls away from the husk easily. Ensure that the filling is hot and thoroughly cooked. If unsure, you can always steam an extra tamale to check for doneness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).