Black Bean Tamales with Cheese and Ancho Adobo

Name: Black Bean Tamales with Cheese and Ancho Adobo
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 ounces ancho chilesstemmed, seeded and broken into small pieces; 1 tablespoon minced white onion; 1 minced garlic clove; 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 12 dried cornhusks; 1 3/4 cups masa harina, preferably Bobs Red Mill; 3 1/2 ounces lard, softened; 3/4 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro; 1/4 cup chopped epazote or 1 tablespoon chopped oregano; 1 tablespoon thinly sliced scallion; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 3/4 cup grated queso canasta or Monterey Jack cheese, plus more for serving

Servings: persons

1 1/2 ounces ancho chilesstemmed, seeded and broken into small pieces
1 tablespoon minced white onion
1 minced garlic clove
1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
12 dried cornhusks
1 3/4 cups masa harina, preferably Bobs Red Mill
3 1/2 ounces lard, softened
3/4 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1/4 cup chopped epazote or 1 tablespoon chopped oregano
1 tablespoon thinly sliced scallion
2 teaspoons kosher salt
3/4 cup grated queso canasta or Monterey Jack cheese, plus more for serving

1
Make the ancho adobo In a small bowl, cover the anchos with boiling water; let stand until softened, about 15 minutes.
2
Drain, discarding the soaking liquid.
3
In a food processor, combine the anchos, onion, garlic, vinegar and salt and puree until smooth.
4
Transfer to a small bowl.
5
Make the tamales In a large bowl, cover the cornhusks with hot water.
6
Weigh down the husks with a plate and let stand until softened, about 30 minutes.
7
Drain and pat dry with paper towels.
8
Meanwhile, in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle, combine the masa with 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons of water.
9
Beat at low speed until a dough forms, about 2 minutes.
10
Add the lard, beans, cilantro, epazote, scallion and salt and beat, scraping down the side of the bowl, until the mixture is well blended and light in texture, about 5 minutes.
11
For each tamale, spoon 1/4 cup of the masa in the center of a cornhusk and top with 1 tablespoon of grated cheese and 1 teaspoon of ancho adobo.
12
Roll the husks up and over the filling to make compact cylinders, folding in the sides as you go.
13
Tie the tamales with kitchen string.
14
Arrange the tamales in a steamer basket and set it over a pot of boiling water.
15
Cover and steam until firm, about 1 hour.
16
Remove the steamer basket and let the tamales stand for 15 minutes.
17
Serve with grated cheese and the remaining adobo.

468

kcal

Calories

Fat

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

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

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 14 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 1/2 ounces ancho chilesstemmed, seeded and broken into small pieces, 1 tablespoon minced white onion, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar, and more.

Yes, Black Bean Tamales with Cheese and Ancho Adobo 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!