Yeah, quick and easy is my thing, and guess what? TAMALES ARE QUICK AND EASY! Well, not quick-quick, but quick-do-something-else-while-you-wait-quick.
Believe it or not, I keep a package of corn husks and a bag of masa harina in my pantry. I know, you’d be more likely to expect instant rice and Velveeta, but no.
You can fill tamales with all kindsa stuff. I filled these with Meatless Griller Strips, salsa, and cheese.
Okay, soak the corn husks in warmish water for a few minutes, then drain. Meanwhile, mix the masa harina into tamale dough according to package directions. I don’t use lard, so I used Smart Balance Organic Buttery Spread. Spread a lump of the dough onto a corn husk. Put on some salsa, some warmed griller strips, cheese, maybe some beans and/or rice. Not too much. Wrap the corn husk around it all and fold down the ends or tie them off.
Put the corn husk packets in the top of a double boiler or a steamer with the water just barely simmering and steaming. Dampen a cloth and put that over the top of the packets.
Steam for 45-60 minutes.
You can serve these with more salsa, taco or enchilada sauce, melted cheese, as you like it.
My Tamales
Yeah, they kinda leaked, but, as my Grandpa used to say, it don’t hurt the eatin’ of it.
A WRITING PROMPT FOR YOU: A character is surprised when a project turns out to be much easier than expected.
MA
Jim Hilton
February 25, 2015 at 8:21amI do love them there tamales
Marian Allen
February 25, 2015 at 10:58amTamales make me happy!
Jane
February 25, 2015 at 9:25amYou MADE the wrappers!!
Instant chef cred.
Marian Allen
February 25, 2015 at 10:59amIt’s easy-peasy, Jane, honest! 🙂
Shilpa Garg
February 26, 2015 at 2:24amI have never had a Tamale. In fact, read about if for the first time. Thanks for enlightening, Marian 😀
It’s good to see you participating for the A to Z Challenge. I look forward to reading your posts during April.
Co-Host AJ’s wHooligan for the A to Z Challenge 2015
Cheers 🙂
Marian Allen
February 26, 2015 at 9:29amOh, tamales are delicious and delightful! Even the ones that come in a can are pretty good, but fresh ones are stellar!
john
February 26, 2015 at 4:02amlooks yummy. do you use corn husk. if i dont have corn husk what other wrapper can i use except plastic.
Marian Allen
February 26, 2015 at 9:36amLooking online, I find these suggestions: 1. Buy corn in the husk, pull off the husks, and dry them in a 100F oven until they’re … you know … dry. 2. banana leaves 3. cabbage leaves 4. parchment paper 5. aluminum foil. Naturally, whatever you use will give the tamale a different flavor or non-flavor.
john
March 1, 2015 at 11:02pmthank you i use some banana leave and it has some aromatic smell that i like.
Marian Allen
March 2, 2015 at 7:48amIf I had access to banana leaves, I would definitely try that!
James Pabling
June 12, 2015 at 12:47amI love tamales, thanks for this wonderful guide. Can’t wait to make some then eat them during movie marathons.
Marian Allen
June 12, 2015 at 10:33amGo for it, James! 🙂