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Vegetable Tamales with Cheese

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A delicious and comforting dish made of masa, fresh vegetables, and savory cheese, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 12 tamales
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

Tamale Dough
  • 1 kilo masa nixtamalizada
  • 200 grams manteca (lard) Can be substituted with vegetable shortening for a vegan option.
  • 1 tablespoon royal (baking powder)
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 cup chicken broth Can be replaced with vegetable broth for a vegan option.
Filling
  • 500 grams queso Chihuahua, grated Substitute with dairy-free cheese if making vegan.
  • 3 cups raw corn kernels
  • 4 medium zucchini, grated
  • 4 medium carrots, grated
  • 3 large roasted poblano peppers, peeled and seeded, cut into small strips
  • 1 bunch spinach, thinly sliced
  • 2 packages corn husks, soaked and cleaned

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Begin by beating the manteca until it’s fluffy. This will ensure your tamales are light and airy.
  2. Next, add the masa and continue mixing until they’re well combined. You can do this either by hand or with an electric mixer.
  3. Add the salt and royal; mix again.
  4. Incorporate the raw corn as you continue mixing.
  5. Fold in all the veggies and cheese, pouring in enough chicken broth to create a dough-like texture that’s neither too liquid nor too solid.
  6. Lay out your soaked corn husks and spoon about a tablespoon of the masa mixture onto each husk.
  7. Carefully fold and close the husk, ensuring the filling is sealed inside.
  8. Place them in a steamer and cook for about 1.5 hours or until the masa easily separates from the husk.
Serving
  1. Serve hot with your favorite hot sauce and refried beans.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2g

Notes

These tamales are best enjoyed hot out of the steamer. They also freeze beautifully; wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for longer storage. Steam them directly from frozen when ready to enjoy.
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