Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of Grandma Ruth's Hot Tamales, a culinary masterpiece passed down through generations. Originating from the heart of Mexico, these tamales embody the richness and authenticity of traditional Mexican cuisine. The recipe showcases a delightful combination of tender masa dough, succulent fillings, and a savory sauce that come together in perfect harmony. With step-by-step instructions and variations for different fillings, this article offers a comprehensive guide to crafting these delectable tamales at home. Whether you prefer the classic pork filling, the savory chicken filling, or the vegetarian-friendly bean filling, Grandma Ruth's Hot Tamales cater to diverse preferences and dietary needs. Embark on this culinary journey and experience the warmth and comfort of this beloved dish, sure to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen.
Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!
HOT TAMALES
Provided by Alton Brown
Time 5h45m
Yield 4 to 5 dozen tamales
Number Of Ingredients 20
Steps:
- In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, kosher salt, paprika, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper and cumin. Divide the mixture in half and reserve 1 half for later use.
- Cut the Boston butt into 6 even pieces and place into a 6 to 8-quart saucepan. Add half of the spice mixture and enough water, 3 to 3 1/2 quarts, to completely cover the meat. Set over high heat, cover and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer until the meat is very tender and falling apart, 2 to 2 1/2 hours. Remove the meat from the cooking liquid to a cutting board. Leave the cooking liquid in the pot. Both meat and liquid need to cool slightly before making dough and handling. Remove any large pieces of fat and shred the meat into small pieces, pulling apart with your hands or using 2 forks.
- Place a 4-quart saucepan over medium heat and add the vegetable oil. Once shimmering, add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are semi-translucent, approximately 3 minutes. Add the garlic, jalapeno, and remaining half of the spice mixture and continue to cook for another minute. Add the meat and cook until heated through, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat.
- While the meat is cooking, place the husks in a large bowl or container and submerge completely in hot water. Soak the husks until they are soft and pliable, at least 45 minutes and up to 2 hours.
- For the dough:
- Place the cornmeal, salt, and baking powder into a large mixing bowl and combine. Add the lard and using your hands, knead together until the lard is well incorporated into the dry mixture. Gradually add enough of the reserved cooking liquid, 3 to 4 cups to create a dough that is like thick mashed potatoes. The dough should be moist but not wet. Cover the bowl with a damp towel and set aside until ready to use.
- To assemble the tamales:
- Remove a corn husks from the water and pat dry to remove excess water. Working in batches of 6, lay the husks on a towel and spread about 2 tablespoons of the dough in an even layer across the wide end of the husk to within 1/2-inch of the edges. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the meat mixture in a line down the center of the dough. Roll the husk so the dough surrounds the meat, then fold the bottom under to finish creating the tamale. Repeat until all husks, dough and filling are used. Tie the tamales, around the center, individually or in groups of 3, with kitchen twine.
- To cook the tamales:
- Stand the tamales upright on their folded ends, tightly packed together, in the same saucepan used to cook the meat. Add the reserved broth from making the dough and any additional water so the liquid comes to 1-inch below the tops of the tamales. Try not to pour the broth directly into the tops of the tamales. Cover, place over high heat and bring to a boil, approximately 12 minutes. Remove the lid, reduce the heat to low, to maintain a low simmer, and cook until the dough is firm and pulls away easily from the husk, 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
- Serve the tamales warm. For a 'wet' hot tamale, serve with additional simmering liquid. Store leftover tamales, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap, in the freezer, for up to a month. To reheat, remove the plastic wrap and steam until heated through.;
GRANDMA RUTHS HOT TAMALES
Once thought to have been taken to the grave with her. My father stumbled across my grandmothers recipe a few years after her passing. Loved by the whole family and all her friends. Enjoy!
Provided by Chef Teer
Categories Mexican
Time 3h
Yield 6 Dozen, 2 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- 1. Note: 1tsp cayenne for milder tamales. Soak corn husk in water several hours before or even overnight to make them softer to work with.
- 2. Combine all ingredients in cast iron skillet and cook until meat is done.
- 3. Follow directions on side of bag to make the corn Masa mix.
- 4. Lay out 1st corn husk on baking "cookie" sheet. Add masa and spread about 16th of an inch thick.
- 5. Add 1-2 spoons of meat and roll oblong (weenie style). One end open, the other end folded.
- 6. Tie the made tamales in bundles of six with 2 lengths of twine cut about 1 foot long.
- 7. Place all bundles of tamales open end up steam basket pot and cover pot with lid.
- 8. Steam tamales for 2 hours.
- 9. Can be frozen or canned. I vacuum seal mine in the bundles of six, freeze and take out as needed. You can Re-heat by steaming, microwaving, or on cookie baking sheet in oven.
- Yields: approximately 6 dozen.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 3794.5, Fat 43.9, SaturatedFat 6.2, Sodium 3469, Carbohydrate 790.5, Fiber 77.9, Sugar 23.6, Protein 99.8
HOT TAMALES
Make and share this Hot Tamales recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Jenny White
Categories Meat
Time 1h
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Combine the first 8 ingredients together, gradually adding in water.
- In a large pot, bring the tomato juice, sauce, water, sugar and salt to a boil.
- Form the tamale mixture into walnut-size balls and drop into boiling juice.
- Boil softly for 30 minutes.
- NOTE: The longer this cooks the more flavorful it becomes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 332.8, Fat 14.2, SaturatedFat 5.2, Cholesterol 57.8, Sodium 1766.3, Carbohydrate 32.9, Fiber 3.4, Sugar 8.8, Protein 20.2
HOT TAMALES
These are worth the effort and time to make them. You can find dried cornhusks, instant corn masa & dried chiles in the ethnic food section of your supermarket.
Provided by KittyKitty
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time P1DT30m
Yield 2 dozen, 24 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Combine first 3 ingredients in a Dutch oven. Add water to cover; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 2 1/2 hours or until meat is tender. Drain meat, reserving broth; set broth aside. Shred meat with a fork; set aside.
- Cover dried cornhusks with hot water; let stand several hours or until softened. Drain well. If husks are too narrow overlap 2 husks to make a wide one. If too wide, tear off one side.
- Remove and discard seeds from chiles; place in a saucepan, and cover with water. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer 20-25 minutes or until chiles are tender. Drain chiles, reserving 3/4 cup water; place softened chiles in container of blender. Add reserved water and blend 1 minute or until smooth; set aside.
- Melt 2 teaspoons shortening in a small saucepan; add flour and cumin, stirring until smooth. Cook 1 minute stirring constantly. remove from heat, and stir in 1/2 cup chile mixture and 3/4 teaspoon salt; add to shredded meat, stirring well. Set aside.
- Bring reserved beef broth to a boil. Combine corn masa, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon shortening in a large bowl. Stir in 1 cup plus 2 to 3 tablespoons hot beef broth to make a stiff dough. Add the remaining chile mixture to the dough, mixing well.
- Place 2 1/2 to 3 tablespoons masa dough (depending on husk size) in the center of each husk, spreading to within 1/2 inch of the edge. Place 2 tablespoons meat mixture in center. Fold short ends of husks to center, enclosing filling; roll up from unfolded side. Tie with string or strip of softened corn husk.
- Place a cup in center of a steaming rack or metal colander inside of a large pot. Add enough water to fill pot below rack level and keep tamales above water. Stand tamales on flded ends around the cup. Bring water to a boil. Cover and steam 1 hour or until tamale dough pulls away from corn husk; add more water as necessary. Serve with Picante sauce, if desired.
- Note: Steamed tamales can be frozen. Allow to cool; place in plastic bag, or wrap them securely in aluminum foil, and place in freezer. To reheat, follow steaming procedure until tamales are thouroughly heated.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 181.7, Fat 9.3, SaturatedFat 2.7, Cholesterol 31.8, Sodium 300.9, Carbohydrate 11.2, Fiber 1.4, Sugar 0.1, Protein 13
CAJUN HOT TAMALES
Make and share this Cajun Hot Tamales recipe from Food.com.
Provided by woogie519
Categories Mexican
Time 3h
Yield 6 dozens, 12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- place all vegetable in a food processor until througly mixed.
- add mixture with meat.
- take your meal and place on paper or corn husks.
- add a good portion of meat mixture on meal and wrap oblong way.
- continue over and over place in steamer and steam for 2 hours.
- put chillie power/water/pepper/garlic power/1 can of tomato sauce of tamales.
- tamales can be frozen or canned.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 653.9, Fat 38.6, SaturatedFat 14.3, Cholesterol 103.4, Sodium 653.2, Carbohydrate 46.8, Fiber 4.5, Sugar 2.4, Protein 30.3
HOT TAMALES
Back in 1964 my mother and father was into the PTA at school. They took over the schools lunch room to make these for PTA funds. As I have been told was alway a wonderful turn out. I am not sure of the amount it makes. But I do know this is fun for all to get everone to help.
Provided by Braunda
Categories Weeknight
Time P1DT1h50m
Yield 20-40 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Filling: Lightly brown pork and beef in large pot.
- Add onions,garlic and spices.
- Add tomato sauce to meat mixture and let it simmer.
- Approximately 20 minutes or until juice comes to the top.
- When meat is done drain juice from meat mixture and set aside.
- Massarina Paste: Mix dry mixture and liquid together to the consistency of peanut butter.
- Corn Husks: Soak both packages together over night in warm water.
- Wash and drain on a towel in layers and cover with a moist towel to preserved moister until ready to use.
- Cover corn husk with massarina mix and place meat mixture at the outer edge of the husk.
- Roll each up making sure that there is space to turn up the top and the ends of the husk.
- Cooking: The hot tamales are steamed until the hush pulls away from the massarina with out sticking.
- The time is either 45-60 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 622.7, Fat 23.7, SaturatedFat 8, Cholesterol 93.2, Sodium 690.1, Carbohydrate 70.5, Fiber 1, Sugar 2, Protein 33.4
HOT TAMALES (LOUISIANA STYLE)
These take a bit of time to roll, but the end result is well worth the effort. My Maw maw-in-law taught me how to make hot tamales with this recipe (she learned how to make them from a friend in Texas.) You can adjust the spices to your tastes- my husband loves it when you use tablespoons instead of teaspoons, but I find it too hot. You can also use all beef instead of that 1 lb of pork, if you prefer. Tamale wrappers are available in specialty stores, or online, although some grocery stores carry them. You will need 80-100 6-inch paper tamale wrappers, which are not listed in the ingredients as they aren't food. This recipe makes a lot by design, and they freeze wonderfully. I took pictures of the steps involved in rolling the tamales and posted them on my blog in case my directions aren't clear: http://randomcreativity.wordpress.com/2012/06/08/tamales/
Provided by Random Rachel
Categories Meat
Time 3h30m
Yield 75 tamales, 25 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Run onions, celery, garlic, and bell pepper through your food processor until they are finely minced.
- In a very large bowl, combine ground meat, minced veggies, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and salt. Mix together thoroughly using your hands. Add in the rotel, 1 cup of corn meal, and 1 can of tomato sauce; mix again. (You need to mix the wet ingredients in separately from the spices so that the spices don't all clump together in one spot.)
- Lay out your papers beside two baking sheets or trays. Add 1 cup of cornmeal to one baking sheet, to roll the tamales in (the other one is to stack completed tamales on.)
- Pinch off some of the meat mixture, and form into a ping pong sized ball. Roll it in the cornmeal, coating it as thick as you can. Place in the center of a tamale paper on one side, and roll. The ball should squish into a log, leaving an inch of the wrapper empty on either end. Press down the top of both empty ends, and fold the two sides of the ends in before folding them under the tamale.
- Repeat with the remainder of the meat mixture. After a few, you get the feel of how much meat it will take to fill the wrapper up enough. We got 75 tamales out of one batch, it depends on how big you make them.
- In a large dutch oven, pour in the 1/2 cup oil and 1 can tomato sauce. Cover with a layer of tamales, then a can of sauce, and a sprinkle of chili powder, repeating until you run out of tamales. Fill the pan with water until the tamales are just covered.
- Bring to a boil, lower the heat and simmer 2 - 2 1/2 hours till done, adding water if necessary.
GRANDMA SMITH'S TUNA CASSEROLE
This is an easy to make creamy pasta dish, that I usually have all the ingredients for on hand. It is comfort food at it's best! My Grandma Smith raised 10 children on this recipe and my 3 year old loves it, very kid-friendly. I usually use whole wheat pasta for extra fiber and nutrition.
Provided by akgrown
Categories Tuna
Time 1h15m
Yield 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Combine all ingredients except potato chips in a large bowl in order written.
- Then put in a 9x13-inch baking dish and top with crushed potato chips if desired. (We like the topping).
- Bake at 375°F for about 45 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 613.6, Fat 22.7, SaturatedFat 10.4, Cholesterol 63.5, Sodium 1139.1, Carbohydrate 69.2, Fiber 5.2, Sugar 8.4, Protein 32.3
Tips:
- Soak the corn husks in warm water for at least 30 minutes before filling them. This will make them pliable and less likely to tear.
- If you're short on time, you can use canned masa instead of making your own.
- Be generous with the filling. The more filling you use, the more flavorful the tamales will be.
- Don't overcook the tamales. They're done when the masa is firm and the filling is cooked through.
- Serve the tamales hot with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
Conclusion:
Making tamales is a labor of love, but it's definitely worth the effort. These delicious Mexican treats are perfect for any occasion, and they're sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So next time you're looking for a special dish to make, give grandma Ruth's hot tamales a try. You won't be disappointed!
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