Red tamales are a traditional Mexican specialty that are often enjoyed around Christmas time. These tasty treats are made from a spiced red sauce, spread on a corn dough base, filled with pork or chicken, and then wrapped and steamed. The flavors of tomato and chilli combine to create an unforgettable taste that is sure to be a hit with all your friends and family.
There are dozens of variations of the red tamale recipe, depending upon the regional flavors of Mexico. Some contain tomatoes and jalapeno peppers, while others rely on green salsa and hominy. Still others may contain lime juice and even little bits of prickly pear cactus. Whichever variation you choose, you are sure to appreciate the slightly spicy and tangy flavors of these delicious treats.
Getting Started with Red Tamales
Red tamales are not difficult to make, but will require a little more effort than regular tamales in order to get the proper red color. You will need a pot to boil water in, a blender or food processor to make the sauce, a whisk for making the dough, and a big pot for steaming the tamales. Once you have gathered up all of the necessary ingredients and tools, you are ready to start making red tamales.
The first step in making red tamales is to create the red sauce. This can be done by blending up tomatoes, onions and garlic together in a blender, and adding a variety of seasonings to create the desired flavor. If you are using any hot peppers in your red tamale sauce, you may want to add less of them in order to avoid making the dish too spicy. It is also important to ensure that you are using the right type of pepper when making red tamales to get the best flavor.
Once the red sauce has been made, it is time to work on the dough for the tamales. This is made from corn masa, which is quite similar to cornmeal, as well as a variety of other ingredients to give the dough an appropriate consistency and flavor. Depending upon the particular variation of the red tamale recipe, other seasonings such as salt, black pepper, and even garlic or onion powder may be added to the dough to create the desired flavor.
The next step is to create the fillings for your red tamales. This can be done by cooking up some chicken or pork along with your desired seasonings and sauces. If you prefer, you can also add in some beans, rice, corn, or even small bits of vegetables to make your filling more hearty and flavorful. Once your filling is done, it is time to assemble your tamales.
Putting It All Together
Once all of the ingredients and tools have been prepared, it is time to start making the red tamales. Begin by taking a nice portion of the corn masa dough and pressing it out flat on a corn husk, making a small indention in the center for the filling. Then, scoop some of the red sauce and spread it over the top of the masa. Next, add in some of your desired filling and fold the corn husk over to enclose the filling inside.
Once your red tamales have been wrapped, they are ready to be steamed. Place them in the pot and cover them with some extra husks or a piece of foil to ensure that they remain moist while cooking. After about 45 minutes of steaming, your red tamales should be cooked through and ready to enjoy.
Conclusion
Mexican red tamales are a delicious treat that are sure to be a hit with all your friends and family. They come in a variety of flavors, so you can easily adjust the recipe to suit your personal taste. Once you have gathered up all of the necessary ingredients and tools, you can easily make your own delicious red tamales and enjoy a traditional Mexican dish in the comfort of your own home.
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