Delicious Vegan Tamales: A Traditional Mexican Treat

Cooking Time:

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Servings:

• Makes about 24 tamales

These Delicious Vegan Tamales are a traditional Mexican treat that’s perfect for any celebration or family meal. Made with masa dough and filled with savory vegetables and spices, these tamales are both satisfying and full of flavor. Let’s dive into the recipe and create this delightful dish!

Ingredients:

For the Masa Dough:

• 4 cups of masa harina (corn flour)
• 2 teaspoons of baking powder
• 2 teaspoons of salt
• 1 cup of vegetable shortening or coconut oil, softened
• 3-4 cups of vegetable broth (warm)

For the Filling:

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 cups of diced zucchini
• 1 cup of corn kernels
• 1 cup of black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) of diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons of chili powder
• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

For the Assembly:

• 24 dried corn husks
• Kitchen twine or strips of corn husk (for tying)

For Serving:

• Salsa, guacamole, or vegan sour cream

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Corn Husks

1. Soak the Corn Husks: Place the dried corn husks in a large bowl and cover with warm water. Soak for at least 30 minutes until they are pliable. Drain and pat dry before using.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté the Onion: Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add Vegetables: Add the diced zucchini, corn kernels, and black beans. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
5. Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the diced tomatoes, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes until the mixture is well combined and heated through.
6. Optional Cilantro: Stir in chopped fresh cilantro if desired. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Masa Dough

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the masa harina, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add Shortening: Add the softened vegetable shortening or coconut oil and mix with your hands or a mixer until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Broth: Gradually add the warm vegetable broth, 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition until a soft dough forms. The dough should be moist but not sticky.

Step 4: Assemble the Tamales

1. Spread the Masa: Place a soaked corn husk on a flat surface. Spread about 2-3 tablespoons of masa dough in the center of the husk, forming a rectangle. Leave a border at the top and bottom of the husk.
2. Add Filling: Place about 1-2 tablespoons of the vegetable filling in the center of the masa.
3. Fold the Husks: Fold the sides of the corn husk over the filling, then fold the bottom up to enclose the tamale. Tie the tamale with kitchen twine or a strip of corn husk to secure it.
4. Repeat: Repeat with the remaining corn husks, masa dough, and filling.

Step 5: Steam the Tamales

1. Prepare Steamer: Fill a large pot with a few inches of water and place a steamer basket inside. Arrange the tamales upright in the steamer basket with the open ends facing up.
2. Steam the Tamales: Cover the pot with a lid and bring the water to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and steam the tamales for about 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the masa dough is firm and pulls away from the husks easily. Check the water level occasionally and add more water as needed.

Step 6: Serve the Tamales

1. Cool Slightly: Allow the tamales to cool slightly before serving.
2. Serve: Serve the tamales hot with salsa, guacamole, or vegan sour cream on the side.
3. Enjoy: Enjoy these delicious and flavorful vegan tamales!

Tips and Variations:

• Different Fillings: Experiment with different fillings such as sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted peppers for variety.
• Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for extra heat.
• Cheesy Flavor: Add a sprinkle of vegan cheese to the filling for a cheesy twist.

Nutritional Information:

These vegan tamales are rich in fiber and vitamins from the vegetables and provide a good source of complex carbohydrates from the masa dough. They are also lower in fat and calories compared to traditional tamales made with meat and lard.

Storage and Reheating:

• Storage: Store any leftover tamales in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Tamales can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in a steamer or microwave before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

• With Rice and Beans: Serve with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete meal.
• As a Snack: Enjoy tamales as a snack or appetizer at parties or gatherings.
• With Fresh Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad for a light and balanced meal.

These Delicious Vegan Tamales are a wonderful way to enjoy a traditional Mexican dish with a plant-based twist. The combination of masa dough and savory vegetable filling creates a satisfying and flavorful treat. Enjoy making and sharing these tamales with family and friends. Happy cooking!