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MASA FOR TAMALES

The Complete Guide

Are you a tamale lover? Do you want to make tamales at home? You’ve come to the right place. Making tamales is easier than you think.

Let’s start with a fluffy and moist masa dough!

The texture of the masa dough may depend on each person’s personal taste; some like it firmer, and others looser.

Basic Ingredients

01 Corn Flour

Yeast Package

02 A type of fat

Thermometer

03 Broth or stock

Jar

04 Salt

Dough

05 Baking powder (optional)

Flour Bowl

Corn Flour 

01

There are several types of corn flour (masa harina, semolina, corn starch, pre-cooked) but just two are suitable for making tamales: masa harina for making tortillas and masa harina for making tamales. 

Fat

02

Lard is commonly used to make tamales, but you can use vegetable shortening, oil and even butter.

Broth or Stock.

03

Chicken, beef, pork, or vegetable stock can be used, depending on the filling.

Salt

04

Salt brings all the flavors together. Please consider the salt level in the broth before adding more to the mix, and adjust.

Baking Powder

05

This ingredient is optional. Some recipes call for it some don't. 

Variations

From the basic recipe you can make variations such as: - Vegan masa. - Masa made with oil. - Masa made with prepared tortilla dough. - Masa with salsa. - And more!