Tamales really aren't that hard, but they do take some time to make and cook. They are especially EASY when you by the pre-mixed Masa dough at your neighborhood Mexican supermarket. 5 pounds for 5 bucks. I made 28 veggie tamales. Enough for a very large family or for a small family like mine to eat for 3 days.
What else do you need? Corn husks (be sure to soak them in a pot of water for an hour before you try to work with them), and fillings: I used roasted green chiles and cheddar cheese and green salsa. You can use anything you like.
Open the husk, spread a handful of dough in there, lay in a bit of filling, and fold it up like wrapping a present.
I stood mine all up in a large stock pot with my old metal steam tray in the bottom. Make sure the water is below the tamales. Keep adding a bit of water, every 15 minutes or so, add a cup. Do not let the pot run dry. Cover the pot. Steam for an hour, or more as needed.
YUM!!!
And it's the season for Tamales -- their are a holiday staple in Mexican families. Enjoy some today! :)
