Tamales Facts & Hacks That’ll Turn You Into the Posada Hero

Holiday Tamales Facts: Don’t Panic, You’ve Got This!

The holidays are here, and that means it’s officially tamales season! If you’ve been put in charge of making them for a posada or a family gathering, don’t panic — I’ve got you. Making tamales can feel intimidating, but with these simple tamales facts and tips, you won’t have to worry.

This simple guide, inspired by my Abuelita, shares essential tamales facts to help make sure your tamales come out perfect for this holiday and any occasion.

Tamales Facts 101: Always Soak Your Corn Husks

One of the most important tamales facts is that you’ll want to soak your corn husks in water before you start. This makes them soft and much easier to fold.

After the husks have soaked for a while, start applying the masa. Use a spoon to spread it evenly on only half of the husk. This leaves room for the filling and makes folding so much easier. When adding your filling (like shredded chicken and salsa verde), make sure to center the meat in the middle of the masa to prevent spillage.

Juicy Tamales Facts: The Salsa Sweet Spot

Another key piece of tamales facts wisdom is to carefully add your salsa in the center of the masa. Use the right amount — you don’t want your tamales to be too dry, but you also don’t want that delicious salsa dripping out and causing a mess.

To secure your tamal, fold from one end of the masa to the other, then fold the remaining plain corn husk around the tamal to keep it sealed.

 

 

 

 

 

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Una publicación compartida por Josh Lopez (@ijoshlol)

Steamy Tamales Facts: No Soggy Tamales Allowed

One of the most important tamales facts to remember is that before steaming your tamales, the water in the pot should never rise above the steamer. No one wants a soggy, wet tamal.

Final Tamales Facts: Mess-Free, Stress-Free Holiday Wins

Next time you’re making tamales, use these simple hacks and tamales facts to keep things neat and stress-free. These tips have helped me make some of the best tamales for the posadas. Good luck on your tamales journey, and happy holidays!