Variations on Pork Tamales
While the classic pork tamales recipe is delicious on its own, there are several variations you can try to add some variety to your meal. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Green Chile Pork Tamales
Green chile pork tamales are a popular variation of the classic recipe. To make them, you'll need to add some chopped green chiles to the pork filling. This will give the tamales a slightly spicy and tangy flavor. You can use canned green chiles or roast your own fresh ones for an even more authentic taste.
To make the green chile pork filling, you'll need to sauté the chopped green chiles with some onions and garlic. Then, add the cooked pork to the mixture and stir until well combined. Spread a spoonful of the filling onto the masa dough and wrap it up as you would for the classic pork tamales.
Salsa Verde Pork Tamales
Salsa verde pork tamales are another delicious variation that adds a tangy and slightly spicy flavor to the tamales. To make this variation, you'll need to make a salsa verde sauce and add it to the pork filling. You can use store-bought salsa verde or make your own by blending tomatillos, onions, garlic, and jalapeño peppers in a food processor.
To make the salsa verde pork filling, you'll need to cook the pork in the salsa verde sauce until it is tender and flavorful. Then, spread a spoonful of the filling onto the masa dough and wrap it up as you would for the classic pork tamales.
Sweet Pork Tamales
If you're looking for a sweeter variation of the classic pork tamales, then you can try making sweet pork tamales. To make these tamales, you'll need to add some brown sugar and cinnamon to the pork filling. This will give the tamales a sweet and slightly spicy flavor.
To make the sweet pork filling, you'll need to cook the pork with some brown sugar and cinnamon until it is tender and flavorful. Then, spread a spoonful of the filling onto the masa dough and wrap it up as you would for the classic pork tamales.
How to Make Classic Pork Tamales
Now that you know some variations on the classic pork tamales recipe, let's dive into how to make the tamales themselves. Here's what you'll need:
Ingredients
- 3 lbs. boneless pork shoulder - 2 cups masa harina (corn flour) - 1 tsp. baking powder - 1 tsp. salt - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 cup lard or vegetable shortening - 1 tsp. cumin - 1 tsp. chili powder - 1 tsp. garlic powder - 1 tsp. onion powder - 1 package of dried corn husks
Instructions
1. The night before you plan to make the tamales, soak the corn husks in warm water to soften them. You'll want to make sure they are fully submerged and weighed down so they don't float to the top.
2. To make the pork filling, trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder and cut it into large chunks. Season the pork with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. Place the pork in a slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or until the meat is tender and falling apart.
3. Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and let it cool slightly. Shred the pork with a fork and set it aside.
4. To make the masa dough, combine the masa harina, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Gradually stir in the chicken broth until the mixture forms a dough. In a separate bowl, beat the lard or vegetable shortening until it is light and fluffy. Gradually add the masa dough to the lard, beating until it is well combined and fluffy.
5. To assemble the tamales, spread a spoonful of the masa dough onto a soaked corn husk. Leave a small border around the edges so you can fold the husk over the filling. Add a spoonful of the pork filling to the center of the masa dough. Fold the sides of the corn husk over the filling and fold the bottom of the husk up to enclose the filling. Tie the top of the husk with a small strip of corn husk to secure the tamale.
6. Once all of the tamales are assembled, steam them in a large pot for about 1 hour or until the masa dough is cooked through. Serve the tamales hot with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
Conclusion
Classic pork tamales are a delicious and authentic Mexican dish that are sure to satisfy your cravings. With a tender and flavorful pork filling and a fluffy masa dough, these tamales are a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. And with some simple variations and a little creativity, you can customize the recipe to your liking. So why not fire up your stove, grab some corn husks, and give this fabulous recipe a try? You won't be disappointed!