Ingredients for Tamale Bites
- 1 1/2 cups masa harina
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 1/4 cups beef stock
- 1/2 cup vegetable shortening, melted
- 1 pound shredded cooked beef
- Tomato Paste
- Garlic
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- Chipotle Pepper
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 cup water
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco
- 1 (4.5 ounce) can diced green chilies, undrained
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Non-stick cooking spray (as needed)
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How to Make Tamale Bites
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the shredded meat and chopped onion. Cook until the onion softens, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the diced green chilies (undrained), diced tomatoes (undrained), chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), and cilantro. Cook for 2 minutes more.
- Add 1 cup of water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Simmer for 10 minutes, or until most of the liquid has evaporated.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the masa harina, baking powder, salt, and cumin.
- Gradually add the beef stock, mixing until the mixture is crumbly.
- Stir in the melted shortening until the dough is smooth.
- Lightly grease a mini-muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray.
- Roll the masa mixture into 24 small balls (approximately 2 teaspoons each).
- Press each masa ball into the bottom of a mini-muffin cup to form a small shell.
- Once the beef mixture has simmered, stir in the sour cream and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Fill each masa shell with the beef mixture.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the tamale bites are golden brown and heated through.
- Let cool in the muffin tin for 3-5 minutes before carefully removing.
- Use a small knife to loosen the edges, then gently lift out the tamale bites.
- Garnish with crumbled queso fresco and fresh thyme leaves.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
Sodium
2 g
Sugar
0g
Fat
20g
Carbs
1g
