Macayo’s Green Corn Tamale Recipe is one of the most popular Mexican dishes. It is made of cornmeal and filled with cheese and a variety of other ingredients. It is a classic dish and is very popular among Mexicans and Americans alike. The recipe has been handed down from generation to generation and is still a classic today.
Macayo’s Green Corn Tamale Recipe can be served as an appetizer, a side dish, or even as a meal itself. It is a great way to add some flavor and spice to a meal. This recipe is easy to follow and can be made with ingredients that can be found in most grocery stores.
What is Macayo’s Green Corn Tamale?
For 75 years and counting, Macayo has been committed to offering guests traditional Mexican food in a warm and friendly environment.
One of their popular items is the Macayo’s Green Corn Tamale Recipe which is a traditional Mexican dish that has been around for centuries. It is made from cornmeal, which is then filled with cheese and a variety of other ingredients. The tamales are then steamed in a corn husk to give them a unique flavor.
The traditional version of Macayo’s Green Corn Tamale Recipe is made with a filling that includes cheese, tomatoes, onions, garlic, chili peppers, and cilantro. This filling can be varied to personal tastes and preferences. Other versions may include different fillings such as chorizo, chicken, pork, or beef.
What Does it Taste Like?
Macayo’s Green Corn Tamale Recipe has a unique flavor to it. It is a combination of the cornmeal, the filling, and the steaming process. The cornmeal gives the tamales a chewy texture, while the filling adds a slightly spicy flavor. The steaming process adds an earthy flavor to the tamales.
The cheese in the filling also adds a subtle flavor to the tamales. The tomatoes, onions, garlic, chili peppers, and cilantro all add their own flavors to the dish as well. The combination of these flavors creates a unique flavor that is sure to please any palate.
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Ingredients
Baja Sauce:
- Cream cheese: Cream cheese is a key ingredient in the Baja Sauce for its rich and creamy texture. It adds a smooth and velvety consistency to the sauce, enhancing its overall mouthfeel.
- Half-and-Half: Half-and-Half is a combination of equal parts milk and cream. In the Baja Sauce, it serves to thin out the cream cheese, creating a pourable sauce with a balanced creaminess.
- Canned jalapeños, sliced: Canned jalapeños contribute a spicy kick to the Baja Sauce. They bring heat and a distinctive jalapeño flavor, adding a bold and zesty element to the sauce.
- Pinch of salt: Salt is a fundamental seasoning that enhances the flavors of the other ingredients in the Baja Sauce. It helps balance the sweetness of the cream cheese and complements the spiciness of the jalapeños.
Tamales:
- Corn masa: Corn masa is the main ingredient for making tamales. It is a dough made from corn that, when cooked, has a dense and slightly crumbly texture. It forms the base of the tamale and provides the traditional corn flavor.
- Creamed corn: Creamed corn is added to the masa to enhance its moisture content and sweetness. It contributes a creamy texture and a burst of corn flavor, complementing the masa’s natural taste.
- Tamale husks: Tamale husks, also known as corn husks, are used to wrap and cook the tamales. They add an earthy flavor to the dish and help keep the tamale moist during the cooking process.
- Canned green chiles, diced and drained: Diced green chiles contribute a mild, smoky flavor to the tamale filling. They add a subtle heat without overpowering the dish and complement the overall savory profile of the tamales.
- Cheddar cheese: Shredded Cheddar cheese is included in the tamale filling for its rich and gooey texture. It adds a cheesy element to the tamales, creating a flavorful contrast to the corn masa and green chile filling.
- Parchment paper (as needed): Parchment paper is likely used to line the steamer basket or the pot when cooking the tamales. It prevents them from sticking and helps maintain their shape during the steaming process.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Masa
In a large bowl, combine 2 1/4 pounds of corn masa with 4 ounces of creamed corn. Ensure a thorough mix until the creamed corn is evenly distributed throughout the masa.
Step 2: Soak the Husks
Place the tamale husks in warm water and allow them to soak for approximately 30 minutes or until they become pliable.
Step 3: Assemble Tamales
Take a soaked husk and spread a thin layer of the masa mixture, leaving space at the top and sides. In the center of the masa, add a spoonful of diced and drained canned green chiles.
Step 4: Add Cheese
Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese generously on top of the green chiles, adding a delightful layer of richness to your tamales.
Step 5: Fold and Tie Tamales
Fold the sides of the husk over the masa and filling, then fold the top and bottom to enclose the tamale. Secure the tamale by using strips of soaked husk to tie it securely.
Step 6: Repeat
Repeat the process until all the masa mixture, green chiles, and cheese are used, creating a delightful assembly line of tamales ready for steaming.
Step 7: Steam Tamales
Arrange the prepared tamales in a steamer basket, ensuring they are standing upright. Steam the tamales for approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the masa is thoroughly cooked through.
Step 8: Serve with Baja Sauce
Once the tamales are cooked to perfection, serve them warm with a side of our specially prepared Baja Sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
Optional Step: Parchment Paper
For added stability, if desired, you can wrap the tamales in parchment paper before steaming, ensuring a perfect presentation.
Tips
* Make sure to use a damp cloth when lining the steamer basket to help keep the tamales from sticking.
* If you want the tamales to be extra cheesy, you can add an extra ½ cup of grated cheese to the filling.
* To make the tamales spicier, you can add more chili peppers to the filling.
* To make the tamales sweeter, you can add some chopped sweet peppers to the filling.
* If you want to make the tamales more flavorful, you can add some chopped fresh herbs to the filling.
* To make the tamales more colorful, you can add some chopped bell peppers to the filling.
Nutrition Information
One serving of Macayo’s Green Corn Tamale Recipe is approximately
What to Serve with Macayo’s Green Corn Tamale?
Refried beans – This is a classic side dish to serve with tamales.
Mexican rice – This is a great way to add some flavor to the tamales.
Guacamole – This is a great way to add some coolness and creaminess to the tamales.
Salsa– This is a great way to add some spice and flavor to the tamales.
Sour cream – This is a great way to add some coolness and creaminess to the tamales.
How to Store Leftover Macayo’s Green Corn Tamale?
Leftover Macayo’s Green Corn Tamale Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat them, simply place them in the microwave for a few minutes until they are warmed through.
What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Macayo’s Green Corn Tamale?
Ground turkey – This is a leaner option for the filling.
Vegetarian chorizo– This is a great vegan option for the filling.
Sweet potatoes– This is a great way to add some color and sweetness to the filling.
Black beans – This is a great way to add some protein and texture to the filling.
Roasted vegetables – This is a great way to add some flavor and color to the filling.
Equipment
- Steamer basket
Ingredients
Baja Sauce:
- 4 ounces Half-and-Half
- 1 pound cream cheese
- 1 ounce canned jalapeños sliced
- Pinch of salt
Tamales:
- 6 ounces canned green chiles diced and drained
- 2 and 1/4 pounds corn masa
- 6 tamale husks
- 4 ounces creamed corn
- 1 and ½ cups shredded Cheddar cheese
- Parchment paper as needed
Instructions
Prepare Masa:
- In a large bowl, combine 2 1/4 pounds of corn masa with 4 ounces of creamed corn.
- Mix thoroughly until the creamed corn is evenly distributed in the masa.
Soak Husks:
- Soak the tamale husks in warm water for about 30 minutes or until they are pliable.
Assemble Tamales:
- Take a soaked husk and spread a thin layer of the masa mixture on it, leaving space at the top and sides.
- Add a spoonful of diced and drained canned green chiles in the center of the masa.
Add Cheese:
- Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese on top of the green chiles.
Fold and Tie Tamales:
- Fold the sides of the husk over the masa and filling, then fold the top and bottom to enclose the tamale.
- Use strips of soaked husk to tie the tamale securely.
Repeat:
- Repeat the process until all the masa mixture, green chiles, and cheese are used.
Steam Tamales:
- Arrange the tamales in a steamer basket, ensuring they are standing upright.
- Steam the tamales for approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the masa is cooked through.
Serve with Baja Sauce:
- Once the tamales are cooked, serve them warm with the prepared Baja Sauce on the side.
Optional: Parchment Paper
- If desired, you can wrap the tamales in parchment paper before steaming for added stability.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze Macayo’s Green Corn Tamale?
Yes, you can freeze Macayo’s Green Corn Tamale Recipe. Place the tamales in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat them, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then place them in the microwave for a few minutes until they are warmed through.
What other side dishes can I serve with Macayo’s Green Corn Tamale?
Some great side dishes to serve with Macayo’s Green Corn Tamale Recipe include refried beans, Mexican rice, guacamole, salsa, and sour cream.
Can I make Macayo’s Green Corn Tamale Recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Macayo’s Green Corn Tamale Recipe ahead of time. Prepare the tamales as directed and then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat them, simply place them in the microwave for a few minutes until they are warmed through.
Can Macayo’s Green Corn Tamale Recipe be made vegan?
Yes, Macayo’s Green Corn Tamale Recipe can be made vegan. Just use a vegan cheese and vegetarian chorizo in the filling.
How long does it take to make Macayo’s Green Corn Tamale?
It takes about 40 minutes to make Macayo’s Green Corn Tamale Recipe. This includes the time it takes to prepare the ingredients, assemble the tamales, and steam them.
Conclusion
Macayo’s Green Corn Tamale Recipe is a classic Mexican dish that has been around for centuries. It is a delicious and flavorful dish that is sure to please any palate.
The recipe is easy to follow and can be made with ingredients that can be found in most grocery stores. It is a great way to add some flavor and spice to a meal. If you are looking for a delicious and unique dish,