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Authentic Corn Tamate: A Traditional Delight

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of dried corn kernels
  • 1 tablespoon of calcium hydroxide
  • 10 cups of water (for nixtamalization)
  • 1 cup of water (for grinding)
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil or pork lard
  • 1 cup of chicken broth
  • 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken
  • 1 cup of red salsa
  • 10-12 dried corn husks

Steps and instructions

  1. Place the dried corn kernels in a large pot. Add the calcium hydroxide and 10 cups of water, ensuring all the corn is submerged.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 30 minutes, or until the corn is tender. Let it cool.
  3. Drain the nixtamalized corn, reserving some of the cooking liquid. Rinse the corn under cold water to remove the loose skins.
  4. In a blender add the nixtamalized corn, 1 cup of water, and salt. Blend until you have a smooth paste, adding more water if necessary.
  5. Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the corn dough and cook, stirring constantly, until it thickens, about 15 minutes.
  6. Slowly add the chicken broth, continue to cook and stir until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan. Remove from heat and let it cool.
  7. Mix the shredded chicken with the red salsa in a separate bowl.
  8. Soak the dried corn husks in warm water for about 30 minutes or until they are soft and pliable.
  9. Spread about 2 tablespoons of the corn dough onto the center of each corn husk. Top with a tablespoon of the chicken mixture.
  10. Fold the sides of the corn husk in to enclose the filling, then fold up the bottom.
  11. Place the corn tamate in a steamer and steam for about 1 hour, or until the corn dough is firm. Serve hot.

Tools for making

  • Blender - For grinding the nixtamalized corn into a smooth paste.
  • Large pot - To nixtamalize the corn kernels and cook them with calcium hydroxide.
  • Frying pan - To cook the corn dough with oil and chicken broth.
  • Steamer - To steam the filled corn husks until the corn dough is firm.
  • Mixing bowls - For mixing the shredded chicken with salsa and for various other mixing needs.
  • Cooking spoon - For stirring the corn dough while cooking and mixing ingredients.
  • Sharp knife - To shred the cooked chicken and cut the corn husks if needed.
  • Large spoon - For spreading the corn dough onto the corn husks.

Recipe variations

  • Use different meat options such as beef, pork, or even vegetarian alternatives like beans or tofu instead of chicken.
  • Experiment with different salsas or sauces for a unique flavor profile.
  • Add additional ingredients to the filling like diced vegetables, cheese, or herbs for added texture and flavor.
  • Try using different types of dried corn for the dough to vary the taste and texture.
  • For a spicy kick, incorporate diced jalapeños or other hot peppers into the filling mixture.
  • Replace the corn husks with banana leaves for a slightly different flavor and presentation.
  • For a healthier version, consider baking the corn tamate in the oven instead of steaming them.

Recipe overview

Get ready to explore a traditional Mexican delicacy with our Corn Tamate recipe. This dish is centered around a dough made from nixtamalized corn, a process that involves cooking and soaking corn in calcium hydroxide to enhance its nutritional profile and flavor. The corn dough, also known as masa, is filled with a flavorful chicken and red salsa mixture, then wrapped in a corn husk before being steamed to perfection. The result is a tender and moist tamale that is both hearty and satisfying. This Corn Tamate recipe is a labor of love that requires several steps, but the delicious end result is well worth the effort. It's an ideal dish to make for special occasions or family gatherings, and it's sure to impress your guests with its authentic taste and presentation.

TimeApprox. 3 hr
Servings10-12 servings
CaloriesApprox. 350
Print recipe

Common questions

  1. How long does it take to make corn tamate? It takes approximately 2 hours to prepare and cook corn tamate.
  2. Can I use canned corn instead of dried corn kernels? While fresh or dried corn kernels are preferred for authentic flavor, canned corn can be used as a substitute.
  3. Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe? You can omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make a vegetarian version of corn tamate.
  4. Can I prepare the corn tamate in advance? Yes, you can assemble the corn tamate ahead of time and steam them when ready to serve.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Steamer - For steaming the corn tamate to perfection.
  • Blender - To blend the nixtamalized corn into a smooth paste.
  • Large pot - For cooking the corn kernels in the nixtamalization process.
  • Frying pan - To cook the corn dough with oil and chicken broth.
  • Mixing bowl - For mixing the shredded chicken with salsa.
  • Kitchen tongs - Useful for handling the hot corn husks during assembly.
  • Sharp knife - For cutting and shredding the cooked chicken.
  • Measuring cups and spoons - To accurately measure ingredients.

Origin stories

Corn tamale, a deliciously warming dish, has roots in ancient Mesoamerica. The precursors to the modern nations of Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and others, these ancient societies revered corn as both a staple of their diet and a central figure in their mythology and culture. Tamales, made from nixtamalized corn, were not just food but also a way of connecting with the divine. These flavorful packets were often used as ritual offerings to the gods. The process of nixtamalization itself, involving the cooking of corn with calcium hydroxide, was a remarkable piece of scientific understanding, improving the nutritional value of corn and enabling these ancient civilizations to thrive. In a way, each bite of a corn tamale is a connection to this rich, ancient history.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.

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