Basic Tamales Recipe

Name: Basic Tamales
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 24 dried or fresh corn husks; 2 cups drained yellow corn kernels; 2 tablespoons packing liquid from frozen or canned corn, or milky liquid from fresh grated; 2 to 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature; 1/3 to 1 cup stone-ground yellow cornmeal; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 1 teaspoon sugar (optional); Sweet Corn Filling, Curried Shrimp Filling, or Chicken Sofrito Filling; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper; 3 sprigs of fresh cilantro; 2 bay leaves; 1 teaspoon salt

Servings: persons

24 dried or fresh corn husks
2 cups drained yellow corn kernels
2 tablespoons packing liquid from frozen or canned corn, or milky liquid from fresh grated
2 to 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/3 to 1 cup stone-ground yellow cornmeal
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
Sweet Corn Filling, Curried Shrimp Filling, or Chicken Sofrito Filling
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper
3 sprigs of fresh cilantro
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon salt

1
Place the corn husks in a large bowl with cold water to coyer.
2
Let soak until soft, about 2 hours.
3
Puree the corn kernels, their, liquid, and the butter in a food processor.
4
Work in enough of the cornmeal to obtain a firm but moist dough.
5
Add salt and pepper and sugar, if desired to taste.
6
Stir the chosen filling into the corn mixture.
7
Lay one of the corn husks flat on a work surface, tapered end toward you.
8
Mound 3 heaping tablespoonfuls of the corn mixture in the center of the top half of the corn husk.
9
Fold the tapered half over the top to encase the filling.
10
Lay another corn husk flat on the work surface, tapered end away from you.
11
Place the filled husk in the center of the bottom half of the second husk.
12
Fold the tapered end over the bottom to encase the tamal.
13
Tie the bundle into a neat rectangle, using an 12-inch piece of string.
14
Make sure you fold up the sides when you tie up the tamal.
15
Continue forming the tamales in this fashion until all of the filling and corn husks are used.
16
Bring 2 quarts water to a boil in a large saucepan with the cumin, white pepper, cilantro, bay leaf, and salt.
17
Add the tamales.
18
Cover and gently simmer for 1 hour.
19
To serve, remove the tamales from the pan and drain in a colander.
20
Cut the strings.
21
Let each guest open the tamal and eat the filling with a fork.
22
Do not attempt to eat the husk!

998

kcal

Calories

Fat

141

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 13 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 24 dried or fresh corn husks, 2 cups drained yellow corn kernels, 2 tablespoons packing liquid from frozen or canned corn, or milky liquid from fresh grated, 2 to 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature, and more.

Yes, Basic Tamales falls under the General category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Basic Tamales

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions