Healthier Tamales

4h 15m
Serves 1
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Directions

  1. 1For the meat, simmer 2.5lb beef chuck roast with 1 onion, 1 whole garlic head, 2 bay leaves, and 2 tbsp salt until tender, about 2.5 hours.
  2. 2Shred the beef and save and strain the broth for the masa.
  3. 3For the red sauce, blend 5 guajillos, 1 or 2 chile ancho, 9 tomatillos (or any tomato), 5-6 garlic cloves, 1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, and 1 cup of broth or water.
  4. 4Adjust salt to taste in the red sauce.
  5. 5With a hand mixer, beat 6oz avocado oil shortening for 5 minutes on medium to high speed.
  6. 6Add 1 tbsp baking powder and mix for 1 minute until incorporated.
  7. 7Add 4 cups masa harina and 1 tsp salt, and slowly start incorporating 4 cups hot broth while mixing.
  8. 8Add 3/4 of a cup of the reserved red sauce directly into your masa or mix it into your broth to add color and flavor.
  9. 9Mix the masa for 25 minutes on medium speed to incorporate enough air for fluffy tamales.
  10. 10Taste test a small piece of masa and adjust salt if necessary, as saltiness depends on your broth and sauce.
  11. 11Wrap your tamales as thick as you like; medium size is suggested, adding potato, carrot, and a jalapeno slice.
  12. 12Use a steamer basket or tamal pot and steam on low for 1.5 hours.
  13. 13Allow your tamales to rest for 15-30 minutes before serving.

Ingredients

  • 2.5 lb beef chuck roast
  • 1 onion
  • 1 whole garlic head
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 tbsp salt
  • 5 guajillos
  • 1 chile ancho
  • 9 tomatillos
  • 5 garlic cloves
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp pepper
  • 1 cup broth or water
  • 4 cups masa harina (or maseca)
  • 6 oz avocado oil shortening
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 4 cup hot broth
  • 0.75 cup red sauce (reserved)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • potato
  • carrot
  • jalapeno slice

Equipment

hand mixersteamer baskettamal pot

Tips

  • Adjust salt to taste in both red sauce and masa.
  • Test try a piece of masa for saltiness, as it depends on your broth and sauce.
  • Mixing masa for 25 minutes on medium speed ensures fluffy soft tamales.
  • Allow tamales to rest for 15-30 minutes before serving.