Q1: What is the absolute, number one secret to fluffy, not dense, tamales?

There are two main secrets! First, you must whip your lard until it is incredibly light and fluffy before you add your other ingredients. Second, your finished masa dough must pass the "float test." These two steps are the non-negotiable keys that will guarantee a beautifully light and tender tamale every single time.

Q2: How do I know when my steamed tamales are done cooking?

The classic test is to carefully remove one tamale from the steamer and let it cool for a minute or two. Then, try to unwrap it. If the masa dough pulls away cleanly and easily from the corn husk, they are perfectly cooked. If the dough is still wet and sticks to the husk, they need more time

Q3: Can I make these ahead of time for a holiday party?

Yes, tamales are the perfect make-ahead party food! You can prepare and steam the entire batch up to 3 days in advance and simply re-steam them before your party. They also freeze beautifully.

Q4: Can I use a different kind of filling?

Of course! This masa dough recipe is a fantastic canvas for all sorts of delicious fillings. You could use a braised chicken in a salsa verde, a shredded beef, or a simple cheese and jalapeño filling.

Q5: What is the difference between regular cornmeal and masa harina?

It is very important to use masa harina for this recipe. Masa harina is a special type of corn flour that has been made from corn that has been treated with an alkaline solution in a process called "nixtamalization." This is the key that gives it its signature flavor and allows it to form a pliable dough. Regular cornmeal will not work.

Red Chile Pork Tamales (A Step-by-Step Guide!)

A classic, from-scratch recipe for traditional Red Chile Pork Tamales, a perfect centerpiece for a holiday celebration like Christmas. This authentic dish involves slow-braising pork shoulder in a rich, flavorful red chile sauce made from a blend of dried guajillo, ancho, and pasilla chiles. A light and fluffy masa dough is prepared with lard and chicken broth. The tamales are then assembled by spreading the masa onto soaked corn husks, filling them with the savory shredded pork, and steaming them until the dough is firm and cooked through.

Author: Evelyn

Ingredients

For the Braised Pork:
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 medium onion, chopped
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
6 dried guajillo chiles, stemmed and seeded
3 dried ancho chiles, stemmed and seeded
3 dried pasilla chiles, stemmed and seeded
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons dried Mexican oregano
6 cloves garlic
2 1/2 pounds boneless pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch pieces
2 bay leaves
32 dried corn husks
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
For the Masa Dough:
10 ounces lard
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon chile powder
4 cups masa harina for tamales
2 1/2 to 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Lime wedges, for serving (optional)

Instructions

Make the Chile Sauce and Braise the Pork: In a large Dutch oven, sauté the onion in oil. Add chicken broth and all the dried chiles; bring to a boil, then cover and let sit for 10 minutes to soften. Transfer the chiles and liquid to a blender with cumin, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper, and puree until smooth.
Pour the sauce back into the Dutch oven, add the pork and bay leaves. Cover, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, until the pork is very tender.
Prepare Husks and Finish Pork: While the pork cooks, soak the corn husks in a bowl of hot water for about 1 hour, until pliable.
Once the pork is cooked, discard the bay leaves, shred the meat with two forks, and stir in the apple cider vinegar. Season to taste.
Make the Masa Dough: In a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat the lard, baking powder, chile powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt until light and fluffy. On low speed, add the masa harina, then slowly add 2 1/2 cups of the chicken broth and mix until combined. Test the dough by dropping a small piece into a cup of cold water; if it floats, it’s ready. If not, add more broth and mix again.
Assemble the Tamales: Drain the husks and pat them dry. Spread about 3 tablespoons of masa dough onto the wide end of a husk, leaving a border. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the pork filling down the center. Fold in the sides of the husk, then fold up the narrow end. Repeat with the remaining husks and filling.
Steam the Tamales: Arrange the tamales standing open-end up in a steamer basket over 1 to 2 inches of boiling water. Cover and steam for 45 to 50 minutes, until the dough is firm.
Let the tamales cool slightly before unwrapping and serving.

Notes

This is a traditional, multi-step recipe that is a labor of love, perfect for a special occasion or holiday cooking project.
The key to light and fluffy tamales is whipping the lard and ensuring the final masa dough floats in a cup of water.
Soaking the dried corn husks is a crucial step to make them pliable and easy to fold.
Tamales can be made in a large batch and freeze very well for future meals.

Find it online: https://cookupjoy.com/red-chile-pork-tamales/