Best 9 Melanies Rich And Creamy Green Chili And Corn Tamales Recipes

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In the realm of Mexican cuisine, tamales stand as a testament to culinary artistry and a celebration of flavors. These delectable parcels, crafted from masa dough and filled with an array of savory ingredients, embody the essence of comfort food. This article presents a collection of tantalizing tamale recipes, each offering a unique journey into the world of these traditional delicacies.

One highlight is Melanie's Rich and Creamy Green Chili and Corn Tamales, a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors. The savory filling, made with tender green chiles, roasted corn, and a creamy sauce, is encased in a soft, fluffy masa dough. This recipe promises an explosion of tastes and textures with every bite.

Another gem is the Authentic Red Chile Pork Tamales, a classic rendition that showcases the harmonious blend of smoky red chile sauce and tender pulled pork. The rich, aromatic sauce, simmered to perfection, infuses the meat with a delightful depth of flavor, while the masa dough provides a comforting balance.

For those seeking a vegetarian delight, the Sweet Corn and Black Bean Tamales offer a vibrant and flavorful alternative. Bursting with the natural sweetness of corn and the earthy notes of black beans, these tamales are a testament to the versatility of this beloved dish.

The culinary adventure continues with the Poblano and Cheese Tamales, a unique creation that combines the smoky heat of poblano peppers with the rich, gooey texture of melted cheese. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of flavors and textures, leaving a lasting impression on the palate.

Lastly, the Easy Chicken Tamales provide a straightforward yet satisfying take on this classic dish. With juicy chicken, aromatic spices, and a tender masa dough, these tamales are a perfect introduction to the world of tamale-making.

So, embark on a culinary journey with these exceptional tamale recipes, each promising a unique and unforgettable experience. From the bold flavors of the green chili and corn tamales to the comforting embrace of the classic red chile pork tamales, these recipes offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Mexican cuisine.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CORN, GREEN CHILE, AND CHEESE TAMALES



Corn, Green Chile, and Cheese Tamales image

Why buy tamales when you can make your own, stuffed with corn kernels, cream cheese, and diced hot peppers?

Provided by Chelsie Kenyon

Categories     Appetizer     Brunch     Entree     Lunch

Time 5h35m

Number Of Ingredients 13

16 ounces fresh or frozen corn kernels
3 ounces green chile peppers, diced
16 ounces queso fresco , shredded
4 ounces cream cheese
3 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
40 dried corn husks
6 cups masa harina (corn flour for tortillas or tamales)
5 cups warm water (or low-sodium chicken broth)
1 teaspoon chile pepper (powdered)
3 tablespoon onion powder
2 cups good quality pork lard (or vegetable shortening)

Steps:

  • Gather the ingredients.
  • In a large bowl, place the corn kernels and the diced chile peppers.
  • Add the shredded queso fresco cheese, cream cheese, chili powder, 1 teaspoon of the cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt.
  • Use a large spoon to mix the ingredients thoroughly.
  • Once the filling is made, cover with plastic wrap and store in the fridge.
  • Go through the corn husks, removing any debris. Separate the larger usable pieces from the smaller bits and pieces.
  • Place all the usable husks-whole leaves, without tears-into a large bowl and cover them with warm water. Place a heavy item on top of the husks to keep them submerged.
  • Allow husks to soak for at least 1 hour or until they have rehydrated and become pliable.
  • Remove the husks from the water and pat dry.
  • Place them into a covered dish or a large plastic bag to prevent them from drying out. Use only the larger and medium-sized husks to wrap the tamales; the smaller ones can be used for ties or patches.
  • In a mixing bowl combine the masa harina and warm water. Stir a couple of times in a gentle mix and let the it sit for about 20 minutes to let the masa soften.
  • Vigorously stir the mixture with a wooden spoon or with an electric mixer on low speed until a dough forms. You can also use your hands, in the traditional way, to mix well and ensure there are no dry bits of corn flour left without mixing.
  • Add the chile pepper and onion powder. Sprinkle the remaining cumin and remaining salt over the dough as you mix it.
  • In a separate bowl, whip the lard with a hand or electric whisk for about 3 minutes or until fluffy.
  • Slowly and patiently add the whipped lard to the dough, mixing well until the mixture is combined and uniform. The masa should be similar in consistency to peanut butter-dense but malleable-and, most importantly, not sticky. Add more masa harina or liquid as necessary until you can press the dough with your open hand, remove it, and not have dough in your palm.
  • Lay a big hydrated husk on a flat surface.
  • Spoon on 1 to 2 tablespoons of dough, depending on the size of the husk.
  • Using the back of a metal spoon, spread the dough onto the husk, keeping it at an approximately 1/4-inch thickness. Leave a space of about 4 inches from the narrow end of the husk and a space of about 2 inches from the other end. Spread the dough up to the edge of one of the long sides and 2 inches away from the other long side.
  • Spread a couple of spoonfuls of filling down the center of the dough with a putty knife or an offset spatula, leaving at least 1 inch of dough around each side.
  • Locate the long side with a 2-inch space with no masa. Fold that end over, slightly overlapping the other side so the edges of the dough meet.
  • Wrap an extra husk around the back. Then fold the broad end over the top and then the longer narrow end over the broad end.
  • Cut or tear long 1/4-inch-wide strips using some of the smaller husks. Tie these strips across the middle of each tamale to hold the flaps down.
  • Repeat the process until you're out of masa and filling.
  • Before you start the cooking process, check that all the tamales are tightly tied and that there are no large tears or cuts in the husks. If so, use smaller husks to cover the tears up, like a patch, and tie again.
  • Set tamales upright in a steamer and steam for 90 minutes. Although there are tamale steamers on the market, you can steam them without one by boiling a small amount of water in a large pot and placing a colander or mesh on top, always keeping the tamales away from the water. Cover the colander with the unused husks and place the tamales on top.
  • Boil water in a kettle to add to the bottom pot if necessary.
  • Once cooked, let tamales cool in the steamer for 1 hour before serving. This time allows the masa to firm up.
  • Traditionally, tamales are served with the husk. But if you are new to tamales and find them messy, simply unwrap and serve on a plate.
  • Serve with pico de gallo, and avocado slices.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 464 kcal, Carbohydrate 36 g, Cholesterol 41 mg, Fiber 5 g, Protein 9 g, SaturatedFat 13 g, Sodium 402 mg, Sugar 3 g, Fat 33 g, ServingSize 30 to 40 tamales (serves 15 to 20), UnsaturatedFat 0 g

GREEN CORN TAMALE



Green Corn Tamale image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     appetizer

Number Of Ingredients 7

10 ears fresh corn
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 stick butter, melted
1 cup corn meal, or as needed
1/2 pound Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, coarsely shredded
One four-ounce can whole green chiles, drained and cut in strips
Serving suggestion: Barbecued meat or beans

Steps:

  • Shuck corn, reserving a dozen or so large husks. Wash husks and lay flat in a dish of water to keep moist. Remove silks from corn and cut corn off cobs deeply. A corn cutter can be used, but I stand each ear upright in a large shallow bowl and cut from top to bottom with a sharp knife. The corn can be chopped in a food processor, blender, or food grinder - or with a metate, a three legged grinding stone that still is in use in the Southwest and Mexico. Grind the corn until it is doughy, though small pieces of fiber will remain. Season with salt and butter. Stir in enough corn meal to form a dough that holds its shape when pressed in the hand. If too crumbly, add more butter or a little water.
  • Line a well greased 2 quart baking dish with corn husks, letting ends extend above rim. Spread a thin layer of the corn mixture over husks to anchor them. Sprinkle cheese over corn, then distribute chiles evenly in baking dish. Cover with remaining corn dough, fold husks over tamale, and press into top. Press additional husks into tamale. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and bake until firm but not dry, about 45 minutes. If top dries out before tamale is set, cover with foil. Serve hot with barbecued meat or beans.

EL CHOLO'S GREEN CORN TAMALES



El Cholo's Green Corn Tamales image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 1h

Yield 12 (8-ounce) tamales

Number Of Ingredients 9

24 ears yellow corn
1/2 pound cornmeal
1/4 pound shortening
1/4 pound butter
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup half-and-half or cream
1 teaspoon salt
12 (1-ounce) strips Cheddar
24-ounce can chiles (recommended: Ortega)

Steps:

  • Cut both ends of corn, remove husks and save for wrapping. Cut corn kernels off the cob. In a food processor, grind the kernels with the cornmeal.
  • Beat shortening and butter together until creamy. Add the sugar, half-and-half and salt. Add the corn mixture and mix well.
  • For each tamale, overlap 2 corn husks. Spread some of the corn mixture onto the husks. Place 1 cheese strip and 1 chile strip on top of the mixture. Top with more corn masa. Bring the edges of the corn husks over the filling to cover completely. Place the husk on a piece of square parchment paper. Fold ends of corn husks, then fold sides of parchment over tamale and fold up ends. Tie string around ends to hold in place. Continue until all tamales are tied. Place on a rack and steam approximately 35 to 45 minutes.

GREEN CHILE TAMALES



Green Chile Tamales image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Yield 12 to 16 tamales

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 recipe Mesa Dough
4 Poblano chiles, roasted, peeled and seeded
1/3 cup Tomatillo Salsa
1-8 ounce package dried corn husks soaked in hot water at least 2 hours or overnight
1 pound tomatillos, husked, washed and cut into quarters
4 large jalapeno chiles, stemmed, seeded, if desired and roughly chopped
1/2 cup cold water
1/2 medium onion, cut in half
2 bunches cilantro, stems and leaves
2 bunches cilantro, stems and leaves
2 teaspoons salt

Steps:

  • Combine the roasted poblanos and tomatillo salsa in a blender of food processor. Puree until smooth. Add the pureed chile mixture to the masa dough and mix well to combine. Reserve at room temperature. Follow method of filling and steaming as in Turkey Tamale recipe.
  • In a blender place tomatillos, jalapenos and water. Puree until just chunky. Add remaining ingredients and puree about 2 minutes more, or until no large chunks remain. This salsa keeps in the refrigerator, in a covered container, about 3 days.

CREAMED CORN TAMALES



Creamed Corn Tamales image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h45m

Yield about 20 tamales

Number Of Ingredients 5

25 to 30 dried corn husks
2 1/2 cups masa harina (instant corn flour)
1 cup sugar
1 14.75-ounce can cream-style corn
1 stick unsalted butter, softened

Steps:

  • Soak the corn husks in a bowl of hot water until pliable, about 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, make the dough: Combine the masa harina and sugar in a large bowl. Stir in the corn and 1/2 cup hot water until combined. Add the butter and mix with your hands until evenly distributed.
  • Remove the corn husks from the water and shake dry. Unfold the husks on a clean surface (discard any small husks or husks with holes). Put about 1/4 cup dough down the center of a husk; fold in the long sides to enclose the filling, then fold in the top and bottom to make a packet. Secure with kitchen twine. Repeat with the remaining dough and husks.
  • Set up a steamer basket in a large pot filled with 2 inches of water. Arrange the tamales standing up in the steamer and bring the water to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium, cover and cook until the tamales are firm, about 1 hour. Remove from the steamer and let rest 10 minutes before unwrapping.

CORN AND GREEN CHILI TAMALE CASSEROLE



Corn and Green Chili Tamale Casserole image

A fast and easy casserole using premade tamales. From Bon Appetit. ZWT Mid-West region (corn) and South (tamales).

Provided by lazyme

Categories     Mexican

Time 50m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

24 ounces frozen chicken tamales or 24 ounces beef tamales
1 (10 ounce) package frozen corn, unthawed
1 (4 ounce) can green chilies, diced
3 green onions, chopped
1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 cup whipping cream
1 (7 ounce) can salsa verde
1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cups monterey jack cheese, grated
1 avocado, wedges (optional)
salsa verde (optional)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375°F.
  • Place frozen tamales in microwave and cook on high until thawed, about 5 minutes.
  • Remove husks.
  • Cut tamales in half lengthwise.
  • Place in single layer in 10-inch-diameter glass pie dish.
  • Sprinkle with frozen corn, chilies, green onions and 1/2 cup cilantro.
  • Whisk cream, salsa verde, chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper in medium bowl to blend; drizzle over casserole.
  • Sprinkle grated cheese over top.
  • Bake casserole until heated through and bubbling, about 35 minutes.
  • Sprinkle with 1/2 cup cilantro.
  • Serve with avocado and more salsa, if desired.

GREEN CHILE/CORN TAMALES



Green Chile/Corn Tamales image

This summer treat can only be made when fresh corn is available, but it's well worth the wait. Subtle flavors of corn, green chile peppers and seasonings are rolled in a masa harina dough...just like your traditional Holiday tamales! These freeze well. Can also be made with vegetable stock for a meat-free variety.

Provided by Mary Smith

Categories     Vegetable Appetizers

Number Of Ingredients 16

5 c instant dry corn masa mix
4 tsp salt
4 Tbsp vegetable shortening
3 to 4 c chicken broth, low-fat
6 to 8 ears fresh corn on the cob with shucks
1 medium onion, chopped
1 Tbsp mrs. dash seasoning (or your choice of seasoned pepper
1 1/2 tsp ground comino
1 tsp dried oregano (or more to your taste)
2 Tbsp dried green chile powder (dry molido)
4 Tbsp olive oil
1/4 c chopped cilantro leaves (or 2 teasp dried powder)
1 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
16 oz chopped green chile pepper (new mexico hatch variety is best)
12 to 16 oz shredded monterrey jack cheese
A COVERED STEAMER OR STEW POT WITH A STEAMER RACK IS NEEDED.

Steps:

  • 1. Make the masa dough: In a large mixing bowl put dry masa mix. Make a well in the masa, add salt and shortening. Add part of the broth and work it into the masa mixture with hands or pastry blender. Work in additional broth until mixture is light and fluffy. Masa is crumbly but will form a ball when lightly pressed into your hand. Cover and chill overnight.
  • 2. Prepare the corn shucks: Slice off the ends of each ear with a sharp knife. Carefully peel off each shuck, leaving them whole so you can use them for wrapping the tamales. A bit of cornsilk left on is OK because it adds fresh corn flavor! (Shucks need to be checked for dirt, mold, etc. I wash mine in a sink with hot water and a few drops of dish detergent, then rinse them in hot water.)The shucks need to remain moist and pliable.
  • 3. Make the Filling: Cut corn kernals from each cob (avoiding the tough inner parts of them) and set aside about 4 cups of kernals. In a large pan mix 4 cups corn kernals, onion, and all the dry seasoning ingredients. Mix in oil and sautee the mixture over medium heat until corn is tender (not mushy). To the sauteed corn mixture, add chopped chile peppers, garlic and cilantro. Simmer slowly for another 10 minutes. If necessary let excess liquid evaporate, then cover and cool the mixture. When mixture is cool, add shredded cheese. Mix well.
  • 4. Filling the tamales: Holding a shuck with one hand, put a thin layer of masa dough and spread edge to edge on the shuck. Spoon some filling onto it and fold up to seal. (Since God doesn't make all shucks the same size and thickness, some roll very easily into the desired shape, but others won't. So on a few you may have to use two shucks (one around the other). These don't have to be pretty -- You don't eat the shucks!) Leave one end open and fold the other end over to close it. (Some folks tie strings on tamales to keep wrappers closed, but I find this unnecessary when using green corn shucks.)
  • 5. Steaming Tamales: Make sure your steamer rack keeps food at least 1 inch above boiling water. Put 2 layers of tamales on the rack, cover, and steam over a medium boil for 25 to 30 minutes. To test doneness, remove one from the steamer and look in the open end. Gently open a space between the dough and the shuck. Dough will be firm and will show the striations from the shuck imprinted on it. Repeat steaming in layers until all are cooked. I pack them into freezer bags. Thawing in the microwave oven is not recommended.)

CORN AND GREEN CHILI TAMALE CASSEROLE



Corn and Green Chili Tamale Casserole image

Provided by Sandy Stevens

Categories     Beef     Cheese     Bake     Casserole/Gratin     Corn     Fall     Family Reunion     Bon Appétit     Las Vegas     Nevada

Yield Makes 4 Servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

6 4-ounce frozen chicken or beef tamales
1 10-ounce package frozen white or yellow corn
1 4-ounce can diced mild green chilies
3 green onions, chopped
1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 cup whipping cream
1 7-ounce can salsa verde
1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese
Avocado wedges
Additional salsa verde (optional)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375°F. Place frozen tamales in microwave and cook on high until thawed, about 5 minutes. Remove husks. Cut tamales in half lengthwise. Place in single layer in 10-inch-diameter glass pie dish. Sprinkle with frozen corn, chilies, green onions and 1/2 cup cilantro. Whisk cream, salsa verde, chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper in medium bowl to blend. Drizzle over casserole. Sprinkle grated cheese over top.
  • Bake casserole until heated through and bubbling, about 35 minutes. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup cilantro. Serve with avocado and more salsa, if desired.

CORN, CHEESE, AND CHILI TAMALES WITH TOMATILLO-AVOCADO SALSA



Corn, Cheese, and Chili Tamales with Tomatillo-Avocado Salsa image

Provided by John Rivera Sedlar

Categories     Garlic     Pepper     Steam     Cheddar     Avocado     Corn     Tomatillo     Cilantro     Bon Appétit

Yield Makes 18 tamales

Number Of Ingredients 20

Tomatillo-Avocado Salsa
12 tomatillo, husked, rinsed well
1 small onion, quartered
6 large garlic cloves, peeled
2 to 3 serrano chilies, stemmed
2 ripe avocados, peeled, diced
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Tamales
1 6-ounce package dried corn husks
1 pound large poblano chilies
2 cups Masa Harina (corn tortilla mix)
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
3 tablespoons sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons salt
1/2 cup canned low-salt chicken broth
5 cups frozen baby white corn kernels (about 25 ounces), thawed
3 cups (packed) coarsely grated sharp cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Make Salsa:
  • Cook first 4 ingredients in heavy large skillet over high heat until charred in spots but still firm, turning occasionally, about 5 minutes. Transfer to processor; using on/off turns, chop coarsely. Add all remaining ingredients. Blend to coarse puree. Season with salt and pepper. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; chill.)
  • Make Tamales:
  • Selecting the largest and cleanest husks, place half of husks in large bowl; fill bowl with warm water. Weigh husks down with plate; soak husks until soft, separating occasionally, about 2 hours. Form 36 ties by tearing several husks into 1/2-inch-wide strips.
  • Char chilies directly over gas flame or under broiler until blackened on all sides. Place in medium bowl; cover tightly with plastic. Let stand 10 minutes. Peel, seed, and chop chilies.
  • To make dough, blend Masa Harina, butter, sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt in processor until coarse meal forms. Add broth and blend in (mixture will be crumbly). Transfer masa mixture to large bowl. Blend 2 1/2 cups corn, 1 cup cheese, baking powder, pepper, and 1 1/4 teaspoons salt in processor until coarse puree forms. Stir puree, then 2 1/2 cups corn into masa.
  • For each tamale, open 1 large softened husk. Place 1/3 cup tamale dough in center of husk. Make depression in center of dough; fill with 1 tablespoon chilies, then 1 tablespoon cheese. Using moistened fingertips, press dough over filling to cover; shape filled dough into 3-inch-long log parallel to 1 long edge of husk. Fold 1 long side of husk over filling and roll up to enclose. Tie ends of filled husks tightly with husk strips.
  • Add enough water to large pot containing steamer insert to reach bottom of insert. Layer tamales in steamer insert. Bring water to boil; cover pot. Steam until tamales are firm, removing insert and adding boiling water to pot to maintain water level as needed, about 1 hour. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cool slightly. Refrigerate. Before serving, re-steam 45 minutes to heat through.) Serve tamales in husks with salsa.

Tips:

  • Soak the corn husks thoroughly: This will make them pliable and less likely to tear when you're wrapping the tamales.
  • Use a large pot to cook the tamales: This will help to ensure that the tamales are evenly cooked.
  • Cover the tamales with water: This will help to create steam and cook the tamales through.
  • Cook the tamales for at least 1 hour: This will ensure that the tamales are cooked through and the filling is hot.
  • Let the tamales cool slightly before serving: This will make them easier to handle and less likely to fall apart.

Conclusion:

Melanie's Rich and Creamy Green Chili and Corn Tamales are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're serving them as an appetizer, main course, or side dish, these tamales are sure to be a hit. So next time you're looking for a new and exciting recipe to try, give Melanie's Rich and Creamy Green Chili and Corn Tamales a try. You won't be disappointed!

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