Need help making homemade Tamales.?

Question

I love Tamales. And would love to make some homemade ones. If anyone could help. Thanks!

Answer 1

I make mine with ground pork onions and chili/garlic paste from the Asian section. Use masa and follow the directions and form into golf ball pieces of dough.  Cut aluminum foil into 6" squares and press the dough onto it by putting a piece of plastic on top( a little oil on top of the dough helps) Press with a plate to make 6" circles.  FIll with some cooked filling, fold over and crimp edges.  Steam for about 20 minutes until foil comes off easily.  They freeze fine and you can take them on the go.

They use foil all over now even in Mexico since it's so much easier.

Answer 2

There are so many ways to make so many types of tamales. That I wouldn't be surprised if you got 50 answers and they were all uniquely different. My mom taught me, and I've been makign them for over 20 years now and not once did they turn out like Mom's.

You didn't say where you lived, but most women (or families) that make them, love to have an extra set of hands to help. And it's a great way to spend a day - but be prepared to spend the whole day. It's alot of work, not hard, but alot.

The best way is find someone who makes them and ask if you can sit in. Tamales are one of those things that you have "to live it to learn it".

Good luck.  

Answer 3

The real bummer about tamales is having to spread the corn husk with the masa. Look for the masa tamal masa spreader. I would never eat a tamal made in aluminum foil, I have lived in Mexico for over 30 years and have never ever seen that. It is considered the mark of a lazy cook, besides eating something cooked in aluminum is a great way to get Alzheimer early on in life.

Answer 4

I made mine by following this recipe and instructions and they came out great!  Helpful hint:  When steamining your tamales, put a few coins in the bottom of the steamer.  When they rattle, you know it is time to add more water.

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