Tamales

Tamales is a hard Mexican dish that brings authentic flavors and traditional cooking techniques to your kitchen. This recipe combines carefully selected ingredients with time-tested preparation methods to create a truly memorable dining experience. Whether you're an experienced home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe provides clear guidance and helpful tips to ensure success every time you prepare it.

This tamales recipe requires 90 minutes of preparation time and 60 minutes of cooking time, making the total time investment approximately 150 minutes. The recipe yields 12 generous servings, making it ideal for family gatherings, dinner parties, or meal preparation for the week ahead. This advanced recipe challenges skilled home cooks with sophisticated techniques and precise timing, delivering restaurant-quality results that showcase your culinary expertise.

The foundation of exceptional tamales begins with selecting quality ingredients. This recipe calls for 6 carefully chosen components that work harmoniously together. 1 cup masa harina, 1 cup lard, 2 lbs chicken stock form the essential base of this dish, providing the primary flavors and structural foundation. Traditional Mexican spices and fresh produce create the vibrant, bold flavors characteristic of authentic cuisine. When shopping for ingredients, look for the freshest produce and highest quality proteins to ensure the best results.

The cooking process for tamales follows 6 essential steps, each designed to build flavor and achieve the perfect texture. Precision and careful execution of advanced techniques are key to achieving professional-level results. Extended cooking time develops deep, complex flavors as ingredients slowly transform and infuse together. The process begins with soak corn husks, establishing the foundation for all subsequent steps. The middle stages involve 4 key techniques that transform raw ingredients into a cohesive, flavorful dish. The final steps bring everything together, allowing you to adjust seasoning and presentation for optimal results.

This recipe makes 12 servings, ideal for feeding a crowd or preparing multiple meals in advance. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors continue to develop. Each serving contains approximately 385 calories, 16g of protein, 42g of carbohydrates, and 18g of fat, making it a satisfying, balanced meal that provides sustained energy. This recipe can be adapted to accommodate various dietary preferences and restrictions.

For best results, prepare your ingredients in advance (mise en place) to ensure smooth cooking without interruptions. Precise timing and temperature control are essential – use a kitchen timer and thermometer for best results. Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and your favorite hot sauce for customizable heat levels.