How to Make Pork Tamales with Prepared Masa
Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish that is both delicious and versatile. Made with masa (a corn dough), these cornhusk-wrapped packets can be filled with a variety of ingredients, from beans and cheese to chicken and pork. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making pork tamales with prepared masa, ensuring that you can enjoy this flavorful treat at home.
Ingredients
Before you begin, gather the following ingredients:
– 1 pound of prepared masa (corn dough)
– 1 pound of ground pork
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 can of diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon of chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon of lard or vegetable oil
– 1 dozen corn husks (preferably fresh, but dried ones can be used as well)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Filling:
– In a large skillet, heat the lard or vegetable oil over medium heat.
– Add the chopped onion and cook until it is translucent, about 5 minutes.
– Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
– Add the ground pork to the skillet and cook until it is browned and crumbly, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
– Stir in the diced tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until the tomatoes have broken down and the mixture is well combined.
2. Assemble the Tamales:
– Rinse the corn husks under warm water and pat them dry with a paper towel. If using dried husks, soak them in warm water for about 30 minutes to soften.
– Place a corn husk flat on a work surface with the wide end facing you.
– Spoon a small amount of masa onto the center of the husk, leaving about 1-inch of space on each side.
– Place a spoonful of the pork filling on top of the masa.
– Moisten the edges of the husk with water and fold them over the masa and filling, tucking in the ends to form a packet.
– Repeat the process with the remaining masa and filling.
3. Cook the Tamales:
– Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
– Add the tamales to the pot, ensuring they are submerged in water.
– Bring the water back to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
– Cook the tamales for about 1 hour, or until the masa is firm and the filling is heated through.
4. Serve:
– Once the tamales are cooked, remove them from the pot and let them cool slightly.
– Serve the pork tamales with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, sour cream, or avocado.
Now that you know how to make pork tamales with prepared masa, you can enjoy this delightful dish whenever you desire. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to enjoy a taste of Mexican cuisine, these tamales are sure to satisfy your cravings. ¡Buon provecho!
