Tamale
A hearty savory tamale featuring ground meat, corn, tomatoes, and spices, perfect for comforting family meals or festive gatherings with rich flavors and tender texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put ground meat, corn, tomatoes, chopped fried onion, garlic or garlic salt, meat juice or water, chili powder, and olives (with juice) on the stove and heat, stirring often.
- Add milk, well-beaten eggs, and cornmeal to the mixture.
- If the mixture does not seem thick enough, add a little more cornmeal.
- Salt to taste.
- Pour the mixture into a baking dish and bake at 375°F for one hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using a mix of ground meats like beef and pork. If you want to lighten the dish, substitute half the cornmeal with masa harina for a more authentic texture. Adding a splash of lime juice can brighten the overall taste. Consider using low-sodium olives to control salt levels. This dish can be customized with extra spices or veggies to your liking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the tamale warm, garnished with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream or guacamole. It pairs beautifully with a side of Mexican rice or a light salad. To elevate the meal, offer a selection of salsas or chips on the side, drawing inspiration from recipes like Tony'S Taco Dip for a delicious appetizer.
Storage & Reheating
Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, or microwave in individual portions until hot. For best results, add a splash of water to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tamale contains roughly 840 calories, with 41g protein, 199g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (376% of the Daily Value), iron (95% of the Daily Value), and protein (82% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 948mg per serving (41% 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
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this tamale dish vegetarian by substituting the ground meat with a mixture of black beans and diced vegetables. Consider using sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture or add lentils for protein. This change will still allow for a hearty and satisfying meal while catering to vegetarian diets.
What can I serve with tamales?
Tamales are versatile and pair well with various sides. Consider serving them with a simple green salad, Mexican rice, or refried beans. For added flavor, offer a variety of salsas for dipping, or try them with a side of Calabasitas Zucchini Casserole for a delightful combination of flavors.
How do I know when the tamale is fully cooked?
To check if the tamale is fully cooked, insert a toothpick or knife into the center of the dish. If it comes out clean and the edges are slightly golden, the dish is ready. Additionally, the mixture should be firm to the touch and not overly wet, indicating the cornmeal has set properly during baking.
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).