Tamales de chipotle

tamales_de_chipotle

Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish that has been enjoyed for generations. Tamales are a type of corn dough that is steamed or boiled in a leaf wrapper, filled with various ingredients such as meats, vegetables, cheese, and sometimes fruits. They are typically served during special occasions such as Christmas or Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead), but they can also be enjoyed any time of the year.

One of the most popular types of tamales is the Tamales de Chipotle. The chipotle pepper is a smoke-dried jalapeno pepper that is commonly used in Mexican cuisine. It has a unique smoky flavor that gives a distinct taste to the tamales. The Tamales de Chipotle are a perfect balance of smoky and spicy flavors, making them a favorite among many.

To make Tamales de Chipotle, you need a few basic ingredients. The main ingredient is masa harina, which is a type of corn flour that is used to make the dough for the tamales. Other ingredients include chipotle peppers, chicken or pork filling, and corn husk.

The first step in making Tamales de Chipotle is to prepare the masa. You start by mixing masa harina with water or broth to make a dough. Then, you add the chipotle peppers, which have been soaked in hot water to soften them. You can also add other spices to the masa such as cumin, chili powder, or garlic powder to enhance the flavor.

Next, you prepare the filling for the Tamales de Chipotle. You can use chicken or pork, which have been cooked and shredded. To add more flavor and aroma, you can also add onions, garlic, and other spices to the filling.

Now it is time to assemble the tamales. You begin by spreading a thin layer of masa over a corn husk. Then, you add a spoonful of filling in the center of the masa. You fold the corn husk to enclose the filling, then you tie the ends with a piece of string.

Finally, you steam or boil the Tamales de Chipotle for about an hour. The steam and the heat from the water will cook the masa and the filling, infusing it with the smoky and spicy flavor of the chipotle peppers.

Once the Tamales de Chipotle are cooked, you can serve them with salsa or guacamole on the side. You can also top them with sour cream, chopped cilantro, or shredded cheese to add a bit of creaminess and texture.

In conclusion, Tamales de Chipotle are a delicious and easy-to-make Mexican dish that is perfect for any occasion. They are the perfect balance of smoky and spicy flavors, and they are a great way to showcase the unique flavors of Mexican cuisine. So, the next time you are craving something Mexican, try making Tamales de Chipotle and impress your family and friends with your cooking skills.

Ingredients:

For the filling:

1 lb. boneless chicken breast or pork shoulder, cut into small cubes 1 tbsp. olive oil 1 onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tbsp. ground cumin 2 tbsp. chopped chipotle in adobo 2 tbsp. tomato paste 1 cup chicken broth salt and pepper

For the masa:

3 cups masa harina 1 1/2 cups chicken broth 1/2 cup vegetable shortening 1 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. salt

For assembly:

1 package dried corn husks

Instructions:

  1. Soak the corn husks in hot water for at least 30 minutes to soften them.

  2. To make the filling, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken or pork and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned.

  3. Push the meat to one side of the skillet and add the onion and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.

  4. Stir in the cumin, chipotle, and tomato paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

  5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes until the meat is cooked through and the sauce has thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  6. To make the masa, combine the masa harina, chicken broth, vegetable shortening, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Use your hands to mix everything together until a smooth dough forms.

  7. To assemble the tamales, spread a thin layer of masa on each corn husk. Spoon a few tablespoons of the filling onto the center of the masa. Fold the sides of the husk towards the center, then fold the bottom up and secure with a tie of kitchen string.

  8. Place the tamales in a large steamer basket, open-side up. Steam for 40-50 minutes until the masa is cooked through and holds together easily.

  9. Remove the tamales from the steamer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite toppings like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.