18 Authentic New Mexico Tamale Recipe Ignite Your Passion For Cooking!
Published on: Apr 3, 2024
Tamale-making is a cherished tradition in the state of New Mexico, passed down from generation to generation. These delicious corn husk-wrapped delicacies have become a staple in New Mexican cuisine and are a must-try for anyone visiting the Land of Enchantment. While there are many variations of tamale recipes, here is an authentic New Mexico tamale recipe that will transport your taste buds to the heart of the Southwest.
Low Carb Mexican Tamale Skillet Pie (Gluten Free,...
Main Ingredients: Enchilada Sauce, Green Chiles, Ground Beef, Cumin
Looking for a delicious and healthy twist on traditional tamale pie? This low carb Mexican tamale skillet pie is the perfect recipe for you! Made with gluten-free and dairy-free ingredients, this dish is packed with flavor and nutrients. Plus, it's easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
One of the most classic and beloved Mexican recipes is tamale pie. This hearty dish is made with layers of cornbread, meat, and a spicy sauce, all topped off with melted cheese. It's a crowd-pleasing meal that is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
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Katie’s Mexican Tamale Pies
Main Ingredients: Pinto Beans, Diced Tomatoes, Zucchini, Corn, Chili
If you're a fan of individual portions and want to switch things up, try making Katie's Mexican tamale pies! These mini versions of the classic dish are perfect for parties or a fun twist on family dinner. Plus, they are freezer-friendly, making them a great option for meal prep.
For a flavorful and moist cornbread that will take your tamale pie to the next level, try making Mexican cornbread. This version is made with spicy jalapeños, sweet corn, and savory cheese. It's the perfect accompaniment to any Mexican-inspired meal.
No Mexican meal is complete without a side of Mexican rice. This simple and delicious dish is made with long grain rice, tomato sauce, and spices for a flavorful and filling addition to any tamale pie dinner.
For a fun and interactive meal, try making Mexican street tacos. These handheld tacos are made with corn tortillas and flavorful meats, topped off with fresh cilantro, onions, and lime juice. Serve them alongside your tamale pie for a delicious and festive spread.
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Skinny Mexican Casserole
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Garlic, Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Green Bell
If you're looking for a healthier version of tamale pie, give this skinny Mexican casserole a try. Made with lean ground beef, black beans, and corn tortillas, this dish is a lighter take on the classic recipe without sacrificing any flavor.
This refreshing and colorful salad is the perfect side dish for any tamale pie dinner. Made with grilled corn, avocado, tomatoes, and crumbled cotija cheese, this Mexican street corn salad is packed with flavor and nutrients.
For a sweet and satisfying end to your tamale pie dinner, try making Mexican flan. This creamy and decadent dessert is made with eggs, milk, and sugar, and flavored with cinnamon and vanilla. It's the perfect balance of rich and light.
If you want to take your Mexican rice to the next level, try making this authentic version. Made with short grain rice, chicken broth, and tomatoes, this Mexican rice is full of depth and flavor. It's the perfect side dish for any tamale pie dinner.
Add some protein and fiber to your tamale pie dinner with these Mexican pinto beans. Made with garlic, onions, and spices, these beans are full of flavor and can be served as a side dish or added to your tamale pie filling.
For a delicious and unique twist on traditional corn, try making Mexican street corn. This grilled corn is topped with a creamy and tangy mayonnaise and sour cream mixture, cotija cheese, and cilantro. It's a perfect complement to any tamale pie dinner.
If you love both Mexican and Italian cuisine, combine the two with this Mexican lasagna recipe. Layers of tortillas, ground beef, enchilada sauce, and cheese come together to create a filling and flavorful dish that will satisfy any craving.
Add some heat and spice to your tamale pie dinner with this Mexican beef barbacoa recipe. Made with beef chuck, chipotle peppers, and spices, this slow-cooked meat is perfect for filling your tamale pie or serving on its own with your favorite sides.
If you have leftover tamale pie filling, turn it into a delicious and easy Mexican beef quesadilla. Simply layer the filling with shredded cheese between two tortillas and cook until crispy and melted. Serve with your favorite toppings for a quick and tasty meal.
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Corn Bread Tamale Pie
Main Ingredients: Chili, Olive Oil, White Onion, Garlic Cloves, Taco
If you love both cornbread and tamale pie, try combining the two with this corn bread tamale pie recipe. A layer of cornbread batter is topped with beef chili, cheese, and corn for a hearty and flavorful dish that will satisfy any craving.
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Arizona Mexican Tamale Pie
Main Ingredients: Cornbread Mix, Ground Beef, Chopped Onion, Green Bell
For a unique twist on tamale pie, try making this Arizona Mexican tamale pie. Made with green chiles, cheddar cheese, and ground beef, this dish has a Southwestern flair that will add some variety to your tamale pie dinner.
If you want to make your own tamale dough from scratch, try this basic Mexican tamale dough recipe. Made with masa harina, lard, and chicken broth, this dough is the perfect base for any tamale filling and can also be used for other Mexican dishes.
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Mexican Black Bean & Cheese Stuffed Peppers
Main Ingredients: Bell Peppers, Yellow Onion, Garlic, Cilantro
For a vegetarian alternative to tamale pie, try making these Mexican black bean and cheese stuffed peppers. The peppers are filled with a mixture of black beans, corn, rice, and cheese, and then baked to perfection. Top with your favorite salsa for a delicious and healthy meal.
If you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, try this Mexican chicken and rice casserole. Made with shredded chicken, rice, enchilada sauce, and cheese, this casserole is a comforting and flavorful option that the whole family will love.
Making the Masa
The first step in making New Mexico tamales is preparing the masa, the dough that will hold all the delicious fillings together. To make the masa, you will need masa harina, which is a type of corn flour commonly used in Mexican and Central American cuisine. In a large mixing bowl, combine the masa harina with water, lard, and a pinch of salt. Mix the ingredients together until a soft dough forms. The consistency of the masa should be similar to that of peanut butter. If it's too dry, add a little more water. If it's too wet, add more masa harina.
Adding Flavor to the Masa
To give your tamales an extra kick of flavor, you can add spices and seasonings to the masa dough. Some popular options include chili powder, cumin, oregano, and garlic powder. You can also add some chicken or vegetable broth instead of water for added depth of flavor. Mix in the spices and broth as you combine the masa dough, making sure everything is evenly distributed.
Preparing the Filling
While the masa dough is resting, you can prepare the filling for your tamales. The most traditional fillings for New Mexico tamales are pork or beef. You can either cook the meat yourself or use leftover cooked meat. Shred the meat and mix it with enchilada sauce, diced green chilies, and chopped onion. You can also add some shredded cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
Vegetarian Option
If you're vegetarian, you can use black beans, corn, and diced bell peppers as your filling. You can also add some quinoa or brown rice for added texture and protein.
Assembling the Tamales
Now comes the fun part - assembling the tamales! Take a corn husk and spread a thin layer of the masa dough onto it, leaving about an inch of space on each side. Add a spoonful of the filling in the center of the masa and roll the corn husk tightly around it. Tie the ends of the husk with kitchen twine to secure the tamale. Repeat this process until all the masa and filling have been used up.
Steaming the Tamales
To cook the tamales, you will need a large steamer. Place the tamales in the steamer, standing them up with the open end facing up. Steam the tamales for 1-2 hours, depending on the size and thickness of the tamales. You'll know they're done when the masa dough easily peels away from the corn husk.
Serve hot with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, sour cream, and avocado. These tamales also freeze well, so you can enjoy them anytime you're craving a taste of New Mexico. With this authentic New Mexico tamale recipe, you can bring a little taste of the Southwest into your own kitchen.