What is a Tamale Wrapped In?

Tamales are common traditional dishes in Mexican cuisine. Whether you enjoy eating them during the holidays, as a quick snack, or during a family get-together, tamales hold a special place in the culture. However, one common question often asked by people is: What is a tamale wrapped in? Before we answer this question, let’s take a quick look at what tamales really are.

What is a Tamale?

A tamale is a traditional Mexican dish made from a soft corn dough, called masa, which is filled with cheese, meat, veggies, or beans. The dough and filling are then wrapped in a leaf and steamed until cooked. They are warm and full of flavor. They can be savory or sweet, and every family follows a different tamale recipe passed down through generations.

What is a Tamale Wrapped In?

Tamales are generally wrapped in corn husks, which are softened in hot water before you use them. The husks help you hold the shape of the tamales when you cook and add a slight earthy flavor. In some places, banana leaves are used, but in most Mexican tamales recipes, corn husks are commonly used. If you are looking to buy corn husk wholesale, we at Terramar Essentials offer the best quality husks ideal for homemade tamales.

How to Make Tamales Step by Step?

Have you ever wondered how to make tamales from scratch? Here’s a simple guide to making homemade tamales:

Step 1: Soak the Corn Husks

Place the dried corn husks in a bowl of very hot water for about 30 minutes until they are soft and bendable. This makes them easy to fold and wrap around the tamale dough.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

Around 3½ to 4 cups of filling per batch is required. Some easy and tasty filling options include:

• Salsa Verde Chicken: Mix 3½ cups shredded chicken with a 16-oz can of salsa verde.
• Bean and Cheese: Combine one 15-oz can of refried beans with 1½ cups shredded mozzarella.
• Red Chili Pork: Use your favorite tamale recipe for red chili pork.

Step 3: Make the Masa Dough

Beat ½ cup of lard with 2 tablespoons of broth in a bowl until fluffy.

In another bowl, mix:

• 2 cups masa flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cumin

Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the lard, adding 1½ cups of broth bit by bit until the dough is soft and spreadable like creamy peanut butter. Cover with a damp paper towel to keep it moist.

Step 4: Assemble the Tamales

1. Lay a soaked corn husk, shiny side up, with the wide end at the top.
2. Place about ¼ cup of masa dough in the middle, top, and spread it thin, about ¼ inch thick.
3. Add 1–2 tablespoons of filling in the middle of the masa.
4. Fold one side of the husk over the filling, then the other side over it like a brochure.
5. Fold the bottom of the husk up to close.

Step 5: Steam the Tamales

There are two ways to cook Mexican tamales: using a stovetop steamer or an Instant Pot.

Stovetop:

• Add water to the bottom of the steamer.
• Lay a few extra husks at the bottom.
• Stand the tamales upright, open side up.
• Cover with soaked husks or a damp towel.
• Steam for 1 to 2 hours. Check after 1 hour and add water if needed.

Instant Pot:

• Add 1 cup of water to the bottom.
• Place tamales upright.
• Cook on High Pressure for 25 minutes.
• Natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release.

Conclusion

Now you know the answer to what tamales are made of and what a tamale is wrapped in. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can make your own tamales from scratch at home. And when you need corn husks in bulk, don’t forget that Terramar Essentials offers the best corn husk.

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