Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish made of corn dough steamed in a corn husk or banana leaf. They are typically filled with meat, cheese, or beans, and can be either sweet or savory. New Orleans-style hot tamales are a unique variation on this classic dish, featuring a spicy filling made with ground beef, pork, or chicken. They are also known for their distinctive red sauce, which is made with chili peppers, tomatoes, and spices. This article provides two recipes for New Orleans hot tamales: one for traditional tamales made with masa harina, and one for a simplified version made with cornmeal. Both recipes are easy to follow and produce delicious, authentic tamales that are perfect for any occasion.
Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!
NEW ORLEANS HOT TAMALES
This is for a request of Hot Tamales. My mom used to make these, at least I think this is the recipe she used to use. :-) I am unsure of how many this makes, maybe a few dozen. (Recipe is from Chef Frank Davis: http://z.wwltv.com/frankdavis/Old_Recipes/realneworleanstamales.htm)
Provided by Kikimony
Categories Cajun
Time 2h15m
Yield 1 batch
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Start off by sautéing the ground beef and onions until the beef browns and the onions become tender.
- At this point, strain the meat and drain off all but a couple tablespoons of the beef drippings; But KEEP IT IN RESERVE-you'll need it later.
- Then combine into the meat the Rotel tomatoes, the chili mix, the peeled tomatoes, the chili powder, the cumin, the water, and your salt and cayenne pepper.
- Now... bring the mixture to a slow boil; but as soon as the boil begins, reduce the heat to low and simmer everything together (with the cover on the pot) for about 45 minutes to an hour.
- Next, strain the meat again from the juices (but save the juices); Then put the meat back into the pot and stir in the cornbread mix and one cup of meat drippings you saved from the sautéing process.
- At this point, you can adjust the"spicyness" of the tamales by adding either more chili powder or cayenne pepper.
- Then mix everything together extremely well once more- and note- you want the tamale mixture to be moist and pasty, but not"wet".
- Finally, place about a tablespoon of the meat stuffing into the center of a moistened tamale paper, roll the paper around the tamale, and put the rolled tamales into a deep steamer pot.
- Then ladle over the tamales all the juices and drippings you reserved during the preparation process and simmer everything on low for about 45 minutes.
- When you're ready to eat, serve them piping hot.
HOMESTYLE HOT TAMALES - NEW ORLEANS STYLE
This Deep South tamale recipe from The Times-Picayune uses the cornmeal dough around the filling I am more accustomed to. From The Times-Picayune - "This New Orleans-style tamale is similar to Delta tamales. It was originally sent in by a reader in Chalmette." Anyone who can let me know about the right kind of paper wrapper please Zmail so I can get it right by the time it gets cold enough to make these boogers.
Provided by Busters friend
Categories Onions
Time 3h
Yield 150 tamales
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Put 150 to 180 tamale papers in water. Put in one at a time, sink it and add another until all are submerged. Set aside.
- Thoroughly combine all ingredients for meat mixture. Roll into finger-sized logs (approximately 150 to 180). Set aside.
- Combine cornmeal and salt with shortening, blending well with your hands. (The dough should be dark yellow and adhere easily to the outside of a meat log; if not, add more shortening.) Enclose each meat log in the cornmeal dough; place on a paper and roll halfway up; then tuck in one side of the paper and finish rolling.
- Cover the bottom of a large pot with chili powder. Add a row of tamales and sprinkle top with chili powder; then add another row, facing in the opposite direction, and sprinkle top with chili powder. Continue in this fashion until all of the tamales are layered in the pot.
- Pour cans of tomato sauce on top; then add water until all tamales are covered. Wait a few minutes (because water will soak into the layers) and pour in additional water until tamales are covered again. Bring to a boil and cook on high for 5 minutes; then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes.
NEW ORLEANS HOT TAMALES
Steps:
- Saute ground meat and onion unitl browned and rain or cook meat in the rest of sauce drain, shred and return to mixture. Combine everything but cornmeal and simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until tender. Strain meat reserving sauce. Put meat back in pot and add cornbread mixture. Adjust seasonings. Add lard or fat drippings from meat approx. one cup. Mixture should be moist and pasty but not wet. Place approx a tbsp of the mixture in a tamale wrapper and roll tucking in bottom.Place in steamer pot and steam with sauce for at least 45 minutes.
Tips:
- Soak the corn husks in warm water for at least 30 minutes before using, to make them pliable and easy to work with.
- If you don't have masa harina, you can make your own by grinding dried field corn into a fine powder.
- Be careful not to over-mix the masa dough, as this will make the tamales tough.
- If the masa dough is too dry, add a little more water or broth. If it's too wet, add a little more masa harina.
- When filling the corn husks, be sure to leave some room at the top for the tamales to expand as they cook.
- You can steam the tamales in a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water, or you can wrap them in aluminum foil and bake them in a 350°F oven for about 1 hour.
- To serve, unwrap the tamales and top with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, sour cream, cheese, or guacamole.
Conclusion:
New Orleans-style hot tamales are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They're also a great party food or potluck dish. With a little planning and effort, you can easily make your own hot tamales at home. So next time you're craving something spicy and flavorful, give this recipe a try!
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