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Mexican Tamales

Mexican Tamales

Devashish
At only 72 calories per serving, these homemade tamales offer a healthier take on the beloved street food classic while maintaining their rich, comforting appeal. Traditional Mexican tamales are a cherished family recipe that brings authentic flavors right to your kitchen.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 24
Calories 72 kcal

Equipment

  • Electric mixer
  • Steamer or Instant Pot

Ingredients
  

For the Dough

  • 4 cups Masa Harina
  • 3 cups broth beef, chicken, or vegetable broth
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 1/3 cups lard
  • 8 ounce dried corn husks

Filling ideas

  • Red chili pork
  • Salsa verde chicken See notes for recipe
  • bean and cheese See notes for recipe

Instructions
 

  • Soak the corn husks in a bowl of very hot water for 30 minutes or until softened.
  • Prepare desired fillings*.
  • Make the tamal dough: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the lard and 2 tablespoons of broth until fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
  • Combine the masa flour, baking powder, salt, and cumin in a separate bowl; stir into the lard mixture and beat well with an electric mixer.
  • Add the broth, little by little to form a very soft dough. Beat on high speed for several minutes. The dough should spread like creamy peanut butter and be slightly sticky.
  • Cover the mixing bowl with a damp paper towel, to keep the dough from drying out.

Nutrition

Calories: 72kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 2gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 216mgPotassium: 89mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 204IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 46mgIron: 2mg
Keyword corn husks, corn masa, masa harina, steamed dumplings
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