A Taste of Mexico: Homemade Tamales

Mexican cuisine is celebrated for its bold and vibrant flavors, and one dish that stands out is Tamales. These delicious parcels of masa (corn dough) are filled with a variety of ingredients, wrapped in corn husks, and steamed to perfection. Tamales are a beloved tradition in Mexican culture, enjoyed during celebrations and holidays. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps to create your own Homemade Tamales, allowing you to savor the authentic taste of Mexico in your own kitchen.

**Ingredients**:

*For the Masa Dough*:
- 2 cups of masa harina (corn flour)
- 1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth
- 2/3 cup of vegetable oil or lard
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt

*For the Filling*:
- Cooked and shredded chicken, beef, or pork
- Red or green salsa
- Sautéed vegetables
- Cheese (such as queso fresco)

*For Assembling*:
- Dried corn husks, soaked in warm water
- Kitchen twine

**Instructions**:

**For the Masa Dough**:

1. In a large bowl, combine the masa harina, baking powder, and salt.

2. Gradually add the chicken or vegetable broth while mixing. Then, slowly pour in the vegetable oil or lard and continue to mix until you have a smooth, soft dough.

**For Assembling Tamales**:

1. Spread a spoonful of the masa dough onto a soaked corn husk, leaving space around the edges.

2. Add your choice of filling in the center of the masa, such as cooked and shredded meat, salsa, sautéed vegetables, or cheese.

3. Fold the sides of the corn husk over the filling, then fold up the bottom, creating a rectangular package.

4. Secure the tamale with kitchen twine.

**For Steaming**:

1. Arrange the tamales vertically in a steamer, open side up.

2. Steam the tamales for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the masa is cooked and the tamales easily release from the corn husks.

**To Serve**:

1. Allow your Homemade Tamales to cool slightly before unwrapping and enjoying.

2. Serve with extra salsa, guacamole, and sour cream, if desired.

Now, you can savor the authentic taste of Mexico with your Homemade Tamales. These delightful parcels of flavor are a perfect representation of Mexican cuisine and are ideal for experiencing the bold and vibrant flavors of Mexico in your own kitchen. ¡Buen provecho!