TAMALE RECIPE

Diane Lamberson Zoller
Recipe from 'My Family Cooks' cookbook
A cookbook of NM family cooking:

TAMALES – Traditional Method

10 lbs masa      2 pkg corn husks
4 c pure lard      2 pork roasts, 5 lbs each
2 tbsp salt      1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda     1 qt prepared red chile     
6 c meat stock from cooked pork

Soak corn husks: in warm water for one hour. Clean thoroughly removing all corn silk.
Prepare red chile: with garlic and salt, it should be a little thicker than usual. Do not cook it.

Cook pork: place meat in large pot, with water covering the meat. Bring to a boil and simmer at medium heat, until tender. Drain broth, saving it for the masa mixture. Cool the meat and shred into small strips removing all fat.

Masa: with mixer, mix lard till light and fluffy. Mix masa with lard, salt, baking powder, baking soda and add meat broth gradually until mixture is of a smooth consistency. Mix in one or two cups red chile to the mixture – it adds flavor and color.

Tamale preparation: select wide corn husks and spread 1/8-1/4 inch layer of prepared masa over center of each husk. Add approximately 1/8 cup shredded meat and prepared red chile to center of masa. Fold the longest sides of the husk over the center and fold the bottom end over. Place tamales on cookie sheet till ready for the steamer.

Place tamales in large steamer, folded-end at the bottom of the steamer rack. Place tamales vertically in the pot ¬– careful not to smash tamales together. Add water to steamer, to just under steamer rack – careful water does not touch tamales. Steam 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

Remove tamales from the pot and lay delicately on a cookie sheet or platter. Serve or freeze tamales.

Option: you may use prepared masa from the grocery store in place of making your own masa.

Approx serving: 6-8 dozen     Approx prep time: 4 hours
about 10 months ago · Report

Susan Baker
Thanks, Diane for the Tamale recipe. Can't wait to try your recipe :-D
about 10 months ago · Report

Diane Lamberson Zoller
Hope it's delicious and that your holidays are amazing!
about 10 months ago · Report