How to Make Chicken Tamales from Scratch
Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. These steamed corn dough pockets are filled with a variety of ingredients, including meats, vegetables, and cheeses. One of the most popular types of tamales is the chicken tamale, which is made with shredded chicken, spices, and herbs. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making chicken tamales from scratch.
Ingredients
Before we begin, let’s list the ingredients you will need to make chicken tamales from scratch:
- 2 cups of masa harina (corn flour)
- 1/2 cup of lard or vegetable shortening
- 1/2 cup of chicken broth
- 1/4 cup of chopped onion
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh epazote
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar work well)
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh scallions (optional)
Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients, let’s move on to the instructions.
Step 1: Make the Masa
To make the masa, we will need to combine the masa harina and lard or shortening in a large bowl. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to work the lard into the masa harina until it resembles coarse crumbs. Then, gradually add in the chicken broth, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together. Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes until it is smooth and pliable. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
While the masa is resting, let’s prepare the filling. Chop the chicken into small pieces and season with salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika. Then, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it is translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the chicken and cook until it is browned and cooked through. Stir in the chopped cilantro and epazote. Add the shredded cheese and stir until it is melted and well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Tamales
Now that we have our filling, let’s assemble the tamales. Take a piece of masa and flatten it into a disk. Place a tablespoon or two of the filling in the center of the masa. Fold the masa over the filling and press the edges together to seal the tamale. Repeat with the remaining masa and filling.
Step 4: Steam the Tamales
To steam the tamales, you will need a steamer basket or a large pot with a steamer insert. Place the tamales in the steamer basket, leaving some space between each tamale. Cover the tamales with a clean towel or cheesecloth and steam them over boiling water for 45-60 minutes.
Step 5: Serve
Once the tamales are cooked, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve them hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Tips and Variations
- To make the tamales more flavorful, you can add other ingredients to the filling, such as diced bell peppers or chopped fresh herbs.
- To make the tamales more tender, you can cook the filling for a few minutes longer or add a little more chicken broth.
- To make the tamales more crispy, you can fry them in a little oil before steaming them.
Table: Ingredients and Equipment
| Ingredient | Quantity | Equipment |
|---|---|---|
| Masa harina | 2 cups | Large bowl |
| Lard or shortening | 1/2 cup | Pastry blender or fingers |
| Chicken broth | 1/2 cup | Large bowl |
| Onion | 1/4 cup | Large skillet |
| Cilantro | 1/4 cup | Large skillet |
| Epazote | 1/4 cup | Large skillet |
| Cumin | 1 teaspoon | Small bowl |
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon | Small bowl |
| Salt and pepper | to taste | Small bowl |
| Chicken | 2 pounds | Large skillet |
| Vegetable oil | 2 tablespoons | Large skillet |
| Garlic | 2 cloves | Small bowl |
| Shredded cheese | 1 cup | Small bowl |
| Scallions (optional) | 1/4 cup | Small bowl |
Conclusion
Making chicken tamales from scratch is a fun and rewarding process that requires some patience and practice. With these instructions and tips, you should be able to make delicious and authentic chicken tamales from scratch. Whether you’re a seasoned tamale maker or a beginner, these instructions will help you to create the perfect tamale for your next gathering or special occasion.