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Masa for Tamales

🇲🇽 Mexico

Servings: 16 tamales Prep: 15 minutes Cook: 60 minutes Total: 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3 cups masa harina
  • 1 1/3 cups lard
  • 2 1/2 cups broth (from cooking meat filling, pork or beef)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • salt, to taste

Steps

  1. In a large bowl, whip the lard by hand or with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy.
  2. Gradually add the masa harina and baking powder, alternating with the broth, until the dough resembles a thick cake batter.
  3. Taste and add salt if needed. Continue beating until the dough is smooth and free of lumps.
  4. Test the dough by dropping a small ball into a glass of cold water; if it floats, it's ready. If it sinks, beat in more air or add a little more broth.
  5. Let the dough rest for 10-15 minutes before using. Optionally mix in some red chile sauce from the filling for extra flavor.

Notes

If using oil instead of lard for a lighter version, the whipping step to incorporate air can be skipped.

Source: www.mexicoinmykitchen.com