Delicious Authentic Green Chili & Cheese Tamale Recipe

Looking for an authentic green chili and cheese tamale recipe that will transport you straight to the streets of Mexico? Look no further! This mouthwatering dish combines the heat of green chilies with the creamy goodness of cheese, all wrapped in a fluffy corn masa dough. Whether you’re a seasoned tamale enthusiast or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress your taste buds and leave you craving more. So, let’s dig in and discover how to create this delectable Mexican delight from the comfort of your own home!

Authentic Green Chili and Cheese Tamale Recipe

Introduction

Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish that have been enjoyed for centuries. These delicious treats consist of a savory filling wrapped in a corn-based dough and steamed to perfection. One popular variation is the green chili and cheese tamale, which combines the bold flavors of roasted green chilies and gooey melted cheese. In this article, we will explore the steps to create an authentic green chili and cheese tamale recipe that will have your taste buds dancing with delight. So, let’s dive in and discover the secrets to making these mouthwatering tamales!

Ingredients

To begin our journey towards crafting the perfect green chili and cheese tamale, let’s gather the essential ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 cups masa harina (corn flour)
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ cup lard or vegetable shortening
• 1 cup roasted green chilies, diced
• 1 cup shredded cheese (such as Monterey Jack or cheddar)
• Corn husks, soaked in warm water

Additional Optional Ingredients

While the base recipe for green chili and cheese tamales is delightful on its own, you can also experiment with additional ingredients to customize your tamales. Consider adding:

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic
• Sliced black olives
• Diced tomatoes
• Cilantro

Feel free to get creative and try different combinations of flavors to suit your preferences.

Preparing the Corn Husks

Corn husks are an essential element in tamale making, as they act as both a wrapper and a steamer. Follow these steps to prepare the corn husks for your green chili and cheese tamales:

1. Place the corn husks in a large bowl or basin.
2. Pour warm water over the corn husks, making sure they are completely submerged.
3. Weight the corn husks down with a plate or heavy object to keep them submerged.
4. Allow the corn husks to soak for at least 30 minutes, or until they become pliable and easy to work with.
5. Remove the corn husks from the water and pat them dry with a clean towel.

Now that the corn husks are prepared, let’s move on to making the dough for our green chili and cheese tamales.

Making the Masa Dough

The masa dough serves as the foundation of your tamale. It is made from masa harina, a specialized corn flour. Here’s how you can prepare the masa dough for your green chili and cheese tamales:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the masa harina, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add the lard or vegetable shortening to the dry ingredients.
3. Using your hands or a pastry cutter, mix the lard or shortening into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add the chicken broth gradually, mixing it into the dough until it comes together.
5. The dough should have a slightly sticky consistency. If it feels too dry, add a little more broth. If it’s too wet, add a sprinkle of masa harina.

Once the masa dough is ready, it’s time to incorporate the flavorful green chilies and cheese.

Adding the Green Chilies and Cheese

The combination of roasted green chilies and melted cheese adds a burst of flavor to the tamale filling. Here’s how to add these delicious ingredients:

1. Fold the diced roasted green chilies and shredded cheese into the masa dough.
2. Mix the fillings thoroughly to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

The green chilies will provide a subtle heat while the cheese melts to create a creamy texture within the tamale. Prepare to be amazed by the incredible flavors that await you!

Assembling the Tamales

Now that all the components are ready, it’s time to assemble the tamales. Follow these steps for a successful tamale-making experience:

1. Take a soaked corn husk and dry it off with a clean towel.
2. Spread a thin layer of masa dough onto the smooth side of the corn husk, leaving a border around the edges.
3. Place a tablespoon of the green chili and cheese filling in the center of the masa dough.
4. Fold the long sides of the corn husk toward the center, enclosing the filling and creating a neat package.
5. Roll the tamale upwards, tucking the narrow end underneath.
6. Repeat this process with the remaining corn husks and filling until all the tamales are assembled.

As you work, keep in mind that tamale-making is an art that improves with practice. Don’t worry if your first few tamales don’t look perfect. With time, you’ll become a tamale-rolling expert!

Steaming the Tamales

Steaming is the final step in the tamale-making process, which allows the flavors to meld together and the corn husk to impart a subtle sweetness to the tamale. Here’s how to steam your green chili and cheese tamales:

1. Fill the bottom of a large steamer pot with water, making sure it does not touch the steamer rack.
2. Place the tamales upright in the steamer rack, ensuring they are tightly packed to prevent them from unraveling during cooking.
3. Cover the pot with a tightly fitting lid.
4. Bring the water to a boil over medium heat and then reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer.
5. Allow the tamales to steam for approximately 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until the masa dough is firm and easily pulls away from the corn husk.
6. Check the water level periodically and add more boiling water if necessary.
7. Once cooked, remove the tamales from the steamer and let them cool slightly before serving.

Serving and Enjoyment

Congratulations! You have successfully created a batch of authentic green chili and cheese tamales. Now, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Serve the tamales warm, straight from the steamer.
• Drizzle them with a dollop of sour cream or homemade salsa for an extra kick.
• Pair them with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete meal.
• Share the joy with friends and family, as tamales are often enjoyed as a communal dish.

Remember, the best part of tamale making is sharing the experience and savoring the delicious flavors together.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the green chili and cheese tamale recipe is an inviting adventure into the world of Mexican cuisine. These tamales offer a delightful pairing of savory green chilies and melted cheese, wrapped in a soft and steamed corn dough. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create an authentic and mouthwatering batch of green chili and cheese tamales that will impress your taste buds and leave you craving for more. So, gather your ingredients, prepare the corn husks, make the masa dough, assemble the tamales, and steam them to perfection. Then, sit back, savor every bite, and revel in the joy of homemade tamales. Happy tamale-making!

Green Chile Chicken and Cheese TAMALES | Easy Ingredients | Step by Step ❤️

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key ingredients for an authentic green chili and cheese tamale?

The key ingredients for an authentic green chili and cheese tamale recipe include masa harina (corn flour), green chilies, cheese (such as Monterey Jack or cheddar), chicken broth, vegetable shortening or lard, salt, and corn husks.

How do I prepare the corn husks for making green chili and cheese tamales?

To prepare the corn husks, soak them in warm water for about 30 minutes until they become pliable. Then, rinse the husks and pat them dry before using for assembling the tamales.

What’s the process for assembling green chili and cheese tamales?

To assemble green chili and cheese tamales, spread a thin layer of masa dough on a soaked corn husk. Add a spoonful of the green chili and cheese filling in the center of the dough. Fold the sides of the husk over the filling, then fold the bottom of the husk up. Secure the tamale with a strip of corn husk or kitchen twine. Repeat the process until all the dough and filling are used.

Can I customize the filling of the green chili and cheese tamales?

Absolutely! While green chili and cheese is a traditional and delicious filling, you can also experiment with other ingredients such as shredded chicken, pork, or even vegetarian options like roasted vegetables or black beans.

How do I cook green chili and cheese tamales?

To cook green chili and cheese tamales, place them in a steamer basket or a large pot fitted with a steamer insert. Add enough water to the pot so that it doesn’t touch the tamales. Cover and steam over medium heat for about 1-1.5 hours, or until the masa dough is firm and cooked through. Allow the tamales to cool slightly before serving.

Can I make green chili and cheese tamales ahead of time?

Yes! Green chili and cheese tamales can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply steam them again for a few minutes until heated through.

Final Thoughts

The authentic green chili and cheese tamale recipe is a delicious and flavorful Mexican dish that is sure to please your taste buds. The combination of spicy green chilies and melted cheese creates a savory filling that complements the tender corn masa. To make this recipe, start by preparing the flavorful green chili sauce and then assemble the tamales by spreading the masa dough onto the corn husks and adding the filling. Steam the tamales until they are cooked through and enjoy the mouthwatering flavors of this traditional dish. Try this authentic green chili and cheese tamale recipe for a truly satisfying and flavorful meal.