PORK TAMALES

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Pork Tamales image

Categories     Corn     Pork     Christmas     New Year's Eve     Dinner     Steam

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 large onion, chopped
1 1/2 cups fresh orange juice, divided
6 scallions
5 cloves garlic
2 serrano chiles, stemmed and chopped
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
3 tablespoons ground cumin
2 tablespoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon sazon seasoning with saffron (such as Goya)
1 tablespoon fine sea salt, divided
12 ounces boneless pork shoulder roast, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
12 ounces boneless, skinless pork belly, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
3 1/2 cups masarepa (precooked white cornmeal)
4 cups warm water
24 (12-inch) banana or palm leaf pieces
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper

Steps:

  • Process the bell pepper, onion, 1 cup orange juice, scallions, garlic, chiles, lime juice, cumin, coriander, sazon and 1 teaspoon salt in a blender until smooth. Reserve 1 cup of the marinade.
  • Place the pork shoulder and belly in a gallon-size ziplock plastc bag and add the remaining marinade. Seal and place in refrigerator; marinate for at least 2 hours and preferably 24.
  • When ready to assemble the tamales: In a large bowl, stir together the masarepa, reserved 1 cup marinade, remaining 2 teaspoons salt and 4 cups warm water to form a spreadable smooth dough. Add more water by 1/4 cupfuls if dough is too stiff.
  • Wipe the leaves with a damp towel to remove any dirt. Lay 1 banana leaf piece on a work surface, shiny side down and ribs running horizontally and lay a second piece on top, shiny side down and ribs running vertically.
  • Spread about 3/4 cup of tamale dough in center in a 5-inch square. Top with 1/4 cup marinated pork. Fold the top leaf over the dough and meat to enclose, then fold the bottom leave around the packet to fortify. Secure the packet with kitchen twine (I like to tie them like gift ribbons) then place in a large steamer basket.
  • Repeat with remaining banana leaves, tamale dough, and meat.
  • Set the steamer basket over a pot of boiling water. Cover and steam until pork filling is rendered and cooked through and masa is firm, about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Let stand 15 minutes before serving.
  • Stir together the remaining 1/2 cup orange juice, crushed red pepper, and a pinch of salt. Serve sauce with tamales.

Hamza Ababinah
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These tamales were a lot of work to make, but they were worth it. They were so delicious!


Usman Musman
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I had a hard time finding some of the ingredients for this recipe. I ended up using a different type of chili powder and it didn't taste quite right.


Mr. William
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These tamales were a bit bland for my taste. I think I'll add more spices next time.


Adil Wazir
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I was looking for a good pork tamale recipe and this one didn't disappoint. The tamales were flavorful and moist. I will definitely be making them again.


Black Mamba
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These tamales were easy to make and turned out delicious. I will definitely be making them again.


Harmony Harry
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I'm not a huge fan of tamales, but these were actually really good. The pork was tender and the masa was fluffy. I would definitely recommend this recipe.


Nikki Bair
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I tried this recipe and it turned out great! The tamales were so moist and flavorful. I will definitely be making them again.


Gold T
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These tamales were delicious! The pork was tender and juicy, and the masa was fluffy and flavorful. I will definitely be making them again.


Nabeel Sajid
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These tamales were a hit at my party! Everyone loved them. I will definitely be making them again.


Arab Shah
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I was a bit intimidated to make tamales, but this recipe made it easy. The instructions were clear and concise, and the results were amazing. I'm so glad I tried it!


Saim Choudhry
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I've made tamales before, but this recipe was by far the best. The pork was so juicy and flavorful, and the masa was light and fluffy. My family loved them!


Candice Cheesman
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These pork tamales were an absolute delight! The flavors were so rich and complex, and the texture was perfect. I especially loved the combination of the tender pork and the slightly spicy sauce. I will definitely be making these again soon.