| New Mexico Tamales ~ A traditional meal at many Mexican homes during Christmas and other festive days. This may take some practice, but is well worth the effort. Filling: 4 to 4½ lb pork butt or shoulder 18 cups water 10 tbsp chile powder (hot) 1 tsp oregano 1½ tsp comino (cumin) 3 cloves garlic, minced fine salt to taste Masa Harina (dough) for tamales: 4.4 lb Masa Harina ( a type of Mexican corn meal flour ) 1 lb lard Substitute with 1 small can of Crisco (16 oz) Pork stock (broth) from the boiled pork shown above. (It may be necessary to add water) 1 package Corn husks (buy from store - dried) Filling: 1. Bring meat to a boil, reduce and simmer covered for 2½ hours or until tender. Remove meat reserve stock for making masa and chile sauce. Chop or shred meat, put into large skillet over medium heat. 2. Stir chile powder into 1½-2 cups of pork stock (broth) break up any lumps that may form, add to the meat, garlic, oregano, comino, and salt to taste. Continue to cook uncovered, until sauce has thickened and almost dry. Masa ( dough mixture) for tamales: Using softened lard (not melted) in a large mixing bowl, add flour and mix. Add remaining broth and water a little at a time to make dough spreadable with a butter knife or tablespoon. Assembly: Rinse corn husks. Soak in warm water until they are easily bent (pliable). Spread the center of each husk with about 2 tablespoons of masa. Top with the chile meat filling. Fold the sides of the husks toward the center. Then fold bottom of the husk up. Tie the top of the tamale with a narrow strip of corn husk. (optional but is better) Steaming: Place a rack (or rolled up tin-foil on the bottom of a large pot (pot must be large enough to hold the tamales, or you may steam in smaller batches). Add 2 inches of water to the pot(s), arrange the tamales bottom side down (stand them up) (above water level.) Bring water to a boil and steam the tamales for about 1½-2 hours. You will have to add water to maintain the 2-inch level. Makes 48+ tamales...Depending on amount of filling placed inside tamale. Brand Names found in many supermarkets Masa Harina de Maiz -------Quaker Brand MA SE CA -----------------Aztec Milling All brand names are not listed |
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