I need help with tamales?

Question

i have looked at various videos on youtube on how to make tamales - but what I dont understand is how can you roll the husk right into the maza - I thought tamales were enclosed pockets - if you are rolling it into a spiral how does that work?

I made tamales for the first time and i put a layer of maza then some filing then some more maza and rolled the husk around the entire thing. But they took forever to cook and there was a lot more maza than filling.

So I like that you ARE supposed to use a lot less maza but what about the rolling?

Help please - I am making these again tonight.

Thanks!!

Answer 1

Spread the masa thin a little over 1/2 way. . Then top it with the filling. (not too much)  Roll lengthwise once, tuck sides in and continue rolling until covered.  Steam - YUM!.  

Answer 2

You only need one layer of masa on your corn husk, then your filling, then roll.  Here is how.

http://www.sonofthesouth.net/tamales/Tam...

Handy tip:  When steaming your tamales, add a few coins to the bottom of your steamer.  When you hear the coins rattle, you will know it is time to add more water.  The tamales are done when the masa seperates easily from the corn husk.