How To Make Tamales

Make and steam your tamales.

How to make tamales. Tamales are made by steaming typically on the stovetop but you can also insert a strainer basket into your pressure cooker or slow cooker and steam your tamales that way. Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes then remove from heat to cool. Next prepare the tamale fillings that you are going to use. Place a large steamer basket in a 6 quart stockpot over 1 in. Bring the water to a boil.

Place the tamales upright in the steamer. Use rubber gloves to remove stems and seeds from the chile pods. Let them steam covered until the dough peels away from the husk about 45 minutes. Steam them in a large steamer for 90 minutes. Place chiles in a saucepan with 2 cups of water.

Tamales made in the pressure cooker can be ready in as little as 20 minutes while slow cooker tamales can take 3 hours or more. Transfer the chiles and water to a blender and blend until smooth. Make sure the tamales do not touch the water. This is a long steam and water level will drop as the water boils off. Then prepare the corn husks and wrap the tamales which can be a fun activity for your family and guests.