How to Cook Delicious Tamales in a Roaster

AvatarByKelsey Hammons How To Cook (Dishes)?

How to Cook Tamales in a Roaster

Tamales are a delicious and traditional Mexican dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are made with a cornmeal dough that is filled with a variety of meats, vegetables, and cheeses, and then wrapped in corn husks and steamed. Tamales can be cooked in a variety of ways, but one of the most popular methods is to cook them in a roaster.

Cooking tamales in a roaster is a relatively simple process, and it produces tamales that are moist and flavorful. In this article, we will walk you through the steps of cooking tamales in a roaster, from preparing the ingredients to serving the finished product.

So if you’re looking for a delicious and easy way to make tamales, be sure to give this recipe a try!

Step Ingredients Instructions
1 1 cup masa harina
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup lard, melted
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 cups shredded chicken
1 cup corn kernels
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/2 cup chopped cilantro 		In a large bowl, combine the masa harina, baking powder, and salt.
Add the lard and chicken broth and mix until a dough forms.
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.
While the dough is resting, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the corn, onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper.
Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Divide the dough into 24 equal pieces.
Roll out each piece of dough into a 6-inch circle.
Place 2 tablespoons of the filling in the center of each circle of dough.
Fold the dough over to form a square and seal the edges.
Place the tamales seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, or until the tamales are cooked through.
Let the tamales cool for a few minutes before serving.

Ingredients

To make tamales in a roaster, you will need the following ingredients:

  • Corn husks. You will need about 12 large corn husks for each dozen tamales. You can find corn husks in the grocery store near the canned goods.
  • Masa harina. Masa harina is a type of corn flour that is used to make tamales. You can find masa harina in the grocery store near the flour.
  • Lard. Lard is a type of pork fat that is used to make tamales. You can find lard in the grocery store near the butter.
  • Chicken broth. Chicken broth is used to make the tamales moist. You can find chicken broth in the grocery store near the canned goods.
  • Salt. Salt is used to season the tamales.
  • Shredded chicken. You can use shredded chicken, pork, or beef for your tamales.
  • Cheese. Shredded cheese is a popular filling for tamales. You can use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or queso fresco.
  • Vegetables. You can add vegetables to your tamales, such as corn, beans, onions, or peppers.
  • Spices. You can add spices to your tamales, such as chili powder, cumin, or oregano.

Instructions

To make tamales in a roaster, follow these steps:

1. Prepare the corn husks. Soak the corn husks in warm water for about 30 minutes. This will make them pliable and easy to work with.
2. Make the masa dough. In a large bowl, combine the masa harina, lard, chicken broth, and salt. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and the dough is smooth.
3. Fill the tamales. Place a spoonful of masa dough in the center of a corn husk. Add your desired fillings, such as shredded chicken, cheese, and vegetables. Fold the husk over the filling and tuck in the sides.
4. Steam the tamales. Place the tamales in a steamer basket. Fill the steamer with water until it comes halfway up the sides of the tamales. Cover the steamer and steam the tamales for about 1 hour, or until the masa is cooked through.
5. Serve the tamales. Serve the tamales warm with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.

Here are some tips for making tamales in a roaster:

  • Use fresh corn husks. Fresh corn husks are more pliable and will make your tamales easier to roll.
  • Soak the corn husks for at least 30 minutes. This will help to soften the husks and make them easier to work with.
  • Make sure the masa dough is smooth. A smooth dough will make your tamales easier to roll and will result in a more consistent texture.
  • Fill the tamales loosely. If you fill the tamales too tightly, they will be difficult to roll and the filling may leak out during cooking.
  • Steam the tamales for at least 1 hour. This will ensure that the masa is cooked through and the filling is hot.
  • Serve the tamales warm. Tamales are best when they are served warm.

With a little practice, you will be able to make delicious tamales in a roaster. Enjoy!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup masa harina (corn flour)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup lard, softened
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup chopped poblano pepper
  • 1/2 cup chopped tomato
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/2 cup cooked and shredded chicken
  • 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup cotija cheese
  • 1/4 cup crema fresca (sour cream)
  • 1/4 cup salsa verde

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the masa harina, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a simmer over medium heat. Remove from heat and add the masa harina mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
3. Add the oil and lard to the dough and knead until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too dry, add a little more chicken broth. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more masa harina.
4. Cover the dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.
5. While the dough is resting, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, combine the onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, poblano pepper, tomato, cilantro, chicken, cheddar cheese, cotija cheese, crema fresca, and salsa verde. Stir until well combined.
6. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
7. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray.
8. Divide the dough into 24 equal pieces. Roll each piece out into a 6-inch circle.
9. Place 2 tablespoons of the filling in the center of each circle of dough. Fold the dough over to enclose the filling, and then crimp the edges to seal.
10. Place the tamales seam-side down in the prepared baking pan. Cover the pan with foil and bake for 45 minutes, or until the tamales are cooked through.
11. Remove the tamales from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips

  • To make ahead of time, you can cook the tamales in the oven and then freeze them. To reheat, simply thaw the tamales in the refrigerator overnight and then bake them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes, or until heated through.
  • You can also make tamales in a slow cooker. To do this, place the tamales seam-side up in a slow cooker. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours, or until the tamales are cooked through.
  • If you don’t have a steamer, you can also cook tamales in a Dutch oven. To do this, fill the Dutch oven with 2 inches of water and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Place a steamer basket in the Dutch oven and then place the tamales in the steamer basket. Cover the Dutch oven and cook for 45 minutes, or until the tamales are cooked through.

Troubleshooting

  • If the tamales are not cooked through, they may be undercooked. Cook them for a few minutes longer.
  • If the tamales are too dry, they may have been steamed for too long. Reduce the cooking time next time.
  • If the tamales are too sticky, they may not have been kneaded enough. Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic.
  • If the tamales are cracking, they may have been rolled out too thin. Roll out the dough to a thicker thickness next time.

Tamales are a delicious and traditional Mexican dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are a great way to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy a home-cooked meal. With a little bit of time and effort, you can make your own tamales at home that are sure to impress your family and friends.

How do I cook tamales in a roaster?

To cook tamales in a roaster, you will need:

  • A roaster
  • A steamer basket
  • Tamales
  • Water
  • Cooking spray

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Place the steamer basket in the roaster.
3. Spray the steamer basket with cooking spray.
4. Place the tamales in the steamer basket.
5. Pour water into the roaster until it reaches halfway up the sides of the steamer basket.
6. Cover the roaster with foil.
7. Bake the tamales for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until they are heated through.
8. Let the tamales cool for a few minutes before serving.

What type of roaster should I use?

You can use any type of roaster to cook tamales, but a large roaster with a steamer basket is ideal. This will allow you to cook multiple tamales at once.

How much water do I need to use?

You need to use enough water to come halfway up the sides of the steamer basket. This will create steam, which will help to cook the tamales.

How long do I cook tamales in a roaster?

Tamales should be cooked for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until they are heated through.

Can I use a different type of meat in my tamales?

Yes, you can use any type of meat in your tamales. Some popular options include chicken, pork, beef, and lamb. You can also use vegetarian fillings, such as beans, cheese, or vegetables.

Can I freeze tamales?

Yes, you can freeze tamales. To freeze tamales, let them cool completely before wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer bag. Tamales can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw tamales, place them in the refrigerator overnight or in the microwave for a few minutes.

How do I reheat tamales?

To reheat tamales, you can wrap them in foil and bake them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, or until they are heated through. You can also reheat tamales in the microwave for a few minutes.

cooking tamales in a roaster is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this traditional Mexican dish. By following the steps in this guide, you can make perfectly cooked tamales that are sure to please your family and friends. Be sure to experiment with different fillings and toppings to find your favorite combination. And don’t forget to enjoy the leftovers!

Author Profile

Kelsey Hammons
Kelsey Hammons
I was born and raised in the fabulous state of Maryland but recently decided to pack up my stuff and move to the Midwest city they call Chicago.

I hope to capture all of my life’s adventures of living in the windy city. AKA the food I cook, my journey to the Chicago Marathon, the books I read and the trashy TV shows I watch. I’m a health-nut, book-worm and exercise fiend.

Join me, Kelsey, on this exciting journey as I embrace the challenges and joys of my new life in Chicago. From mastering the art of healthy cooking to hitting the pavement for marathon training, my blog is a window into my world of self-discovery and fun.

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