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Authentic Mexican Tamales

Traditional Mexican tamales made with fluffy masa, spiced pork filling, and steamed in corn husks — a classic comfort dish filled with heritage and flavor.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours
Servings: 24 tamales
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Latin American, Mexican
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Masa Dough
  • 4 cups masa harina
  • 3 cups chicken broth (warm)
  • 1 cup lard or shortening
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 2 tsp salt
Pork Filling
  • 2 lbs pork shoulder, cooked and shredded
  • 3 dried ancho chilies
  • 3 dried guajillo chilies
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp Mexican oregano
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 tsp salt for sauce
  • 30 dried corn husks, soaked

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Steamer pot
  • Hand mixer
  • Blender

Method
 

  1. Soak corn husks in warm water for 30 minutes.
  2. Make chili sauce by blending soaked chilies, garlic, cumin, oregano, and water.
  3. Cook pork with chili sauce and seasonings.
  4. Beat lard until fluffy, then mix masa harina, baking powder, salt, and broth to make dough.
  5. Spread masa on husk, add filling, and fold to form tamales.
  6. Steam tamales for 1.5–2 hours until masa separates easily from husk.

Notes

Traditional Mexican tamales made with a pork filling and steamed in corn husks — perfect for holidays or family gatherings.