How To Make Tamales

This is a long steam and water level will drop as the water boils off.

How to make tamales. Make sure the tamales do not touch the water. Tamales are made by steaming typically on the stovetop but you can also insert a strainer basket into your pressure cooker or slow cooker and steam your tamales that way. Start by preparing the dough. Use the back of a spoon to spread 2 to 2 tablespoons of masa dough from the bottom 1 3 center of the husk to the right edge see photo below. Use rubber gloves to remove stems and seeds from the chile pods.

Bring the water to a boil. Transfer the chiles and water to a blender and blend until smooth. Place a large steamer basket in a 6 quart stockpot over 1 in. To make a tamale hold a corn husk in your non dominant hand or place on a flat clean surface and make sure the wider edge is facing you. Then prepare the corn husks and wrap the tamales which can be a fun activity for your family and guests.

Place the tamales upright in the steamer. Next prepare the tamale fillings that you are going to use. Let them steam covered until the dough peels away from the husk about 45 minutes. Place chiles in a saucepan with 2 cups of water. Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes then remove from heat to cool.