Corn Tamales With Swiss Chard

1. 1

   Soak the corn husk in warm water. If needed set a plate on top of them to keep them submerged.

2. 2

   Place 1 cup of the corn kernels into a large mixing bowl (or a mixer with a paddle attachment). Add the yellow masa, baking powder, 4 tablespoons of the butter, lard, salt and parmesan.

3. 3

   Combine these ingredients in the same fashion you would for biscuits. In other words mix until the lard and butter is dispersed. The end result should look like struesel.

4. 4

   Add the liquid and combine until you have a soft dough.

5. 5

   Remove the corn husks from the water and drain them. They don't have to be dry but you don't want lots of excess liquid. Sort through the husk and find 2 or 3 that are thicker then the others and tear them lengthwise into 20 strips. Twenty is more then you need but inevitably a couple will break so you will want extras.

6. 6

   Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Form them into 1 inch thick logs and place each log into the ear side or curved side so to speak, of a corn husk. Roll the husk so it wraps the masa dough and then tie each end with a strip of husk. If you tie them a little loosely you can then slide the tie up snug against the dough then cinch it tight. Be careful not to tug to hard or the corn husk strip will snap. Set the tamales into a steamer basket.

7. 7

   Place the steamer basket into a pot with already boiling water. Cover, reduce the heat so your water doesn't boil away to nothing and cook the tamales for 30 minutes.

8. 8

   In the bowl of a food processor puree half the remaining corn until it is a pulpy cream. It doesn't need to be smooth.

9. 9

   In a small sauce pan add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan and place it over medium heat. When the butter is warm add the garlic. Let it sweat without browning.

10. 10

    Add the cream, corn and season it with salt and pepper. Bring it to a boil then reduce it to a simmer.

11. 11

    Place a large saute pan over medium heat and add the canola oil. Once it is hot add the onion. Season with heavy pinch of salt and pepper and cook the onions until they begin to brown and are soft. Add the chile flakes just before you add the chard.

12. 12

    Add the chard and turn it with a pair of tongs to coat it with the oil. Season with more salt and pepper and cook the chard, covered, until it is tender, still vibrant but not mush. If the pan seems dry you can add a little water, a tablespoon or so.

13. 13

    Make sure everything is hot. Add the lime to the creamed corn. Stir to combine.

14. 14

    Add the tarragon to the chard and stir.

15. 15

    Place a serving portion of chard onto a plate. Using a knife slice each tamale, just like you would a baked potato, and then grab each tied end and push gently inward so you open up the corn husk packets. Place 1 or 2 tamales onto the chard and top with creamed corn. Serve.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.