Ingredients for Sweet Tamales
- Dried corn husks (enough to wrap approximately 24 tamales)
- 1 cup lard, divided (2/3 cup + 1/3 cup)
- Masa Harina Flour
- Yellow Cornmeal
- Granulated Sugar
- Ground Cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup water
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- Vanilla Extract
- 1 cup raisins
- Walnuts
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How to Make Sweet Tamales
- **Prepare the Corn Husks:** Rinse dried corn husks thoroughly. Discard any torn or damaged husks. Soak the remaining husks in warm water for at least 1 hour, or until pliable and easily folded.
- **Cream the Lard:** In a large bowl, beat 2/3 cup of lard until light and fluffy.
- **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- **Combine Wet and Dry:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed lard, alternating with the water and sweetened condensed milk. Mix well after each addition until a smooth batter forms.
- **Melt Remaining Lard:** Melt the remaining 1/3 cup of lard and gradually stir it into the masa mixture until it reaches the consistency of thick cake batter.
- **Add Flavor:** Stir in the vanilla extract, raisins, and nuts.
- **Assemble the Tamales:** Place a softened corn husk with the wide end facing you. Spread about 1/4 cup of the masa mixture in a thin, rectangular shape, leaving about 1 inch of space at the top.
- **Fold the Tamales:** Fold the right and left sides of the husk over the masa filling, then fold the bottom edge up and over. The tamale should be tightly wrapped.
- **Steam the Tamales:** Place a steamer basket in a large pot with a lid. Add enough water to reach just below the steamer basket. Arrange the tamales upright in the steamer basket.
- **Steam and Cover:** Cover the tamales with a few extra dry corn husks and a damp kitchen towel. Cover the pot with the lid.
- **Cook:** Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat to low and steam for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the masa easily pulls away from the husks. Add more water to the pot as needed to maintain a consistent steam.
- **Serve:** Carefully remove the tamales from the steamer. Let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
Sodium
9 g
Sugar
59g
Fat
22g
Carbs
10g