How To Make Tamales

Tamales are made by steaming typically on the stovetop but you can also insert a strainer basket into your pressure cooker or slow cooker and steam your tamales that way.

How to make tamales. Transfer the chiles and water to a blender and blend until smooth. Make sure the tamales do not touch the water. Then prepare the corn husks and wrap the tamales which can be a fun activity for your family and guests. Use rubber gloves to remove stems and seeds from the chile pods. Make and steam your tamales.

Let them steam covered until the dough peels away from the husk about 45 minutes. Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes then remove from heat to cool. Steam them in a large steamer for 90 minutes. To make a tamale hold a corn husk in your non dominant hand or place on a flat clean surface and make sure the wider edge is facing you. Place a large steamer basket in a 6 quart stockpot over 1 in.

Tamales made in the pressure cooker can be ready in as little as 20 minutes while slow cooker tamales can take 3 hours or more. Next prepare the tamale fillings that you are going to use. Bring the water to a boil. Use the back of a spoon to spread 2 to 2 tablespoons of masa dough from the bottom 1 3 center of the husk to the right edge see photo below. Place the tamales upright in the steamer.