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Nutmeg

Tamales de Pollo

Total Time 2 minutes
Servings: 12 12 tamales
Course: Main Course / Street Food
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients
  

Masa Dough
  • 500 g masa harina
  • 350 ml warm chicken stock
  • 120 g lard or shortening
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 12 dried corn husks soaked in warm water for 30 minutes
Chicken Filling
  • 400 g cooked shredded chicken
  • 200 ml red or green enchilada sauce see Enchiladas Rojas
  • Salt and cumin to taste

Method
 

  1. Beat the lard or shortening until fluffy. Mix in the masa harina, baking powder and salt. Gradually add the warm stock and beat until the dough is smooth and pliable (a small piece should float in water when ready).
  2. Mix the shredded chicken with the enchilada sauce and season.
  3. Drain the soaked corn husks and pat dry. Tear a few husks into thin strips for tying.
  4. Spread about 2 tbsp of masa dough onto the centre of a corn husk, leaving a border at the top and sides.
  5. Place a spoonful of chicken filling in the centre of the masa. Fold the sides of the husk to enclose the filling, then fold the bottom up. Tie with a strip of husk to secure.
  6. Stand the tamales upright in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for 1 to 1.5 hours until the masa is firm and no longer sticks to the husk when peeled back.
  7. Allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Source: Classic Mexican recipe

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