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Chocolate Tamales

🇲🇽 Mexico

Servings: 20 Prep: 20 minutes Cook: 45 minutes Total: 1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 tablets Mexican chocolate, chopped
  • 1/4 cup hot water
  • 4 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 3 tablets Mexican chocolate, chopped
  • 13 tablespoons (200 ml) hot water
  • 3 1/2 cups masa harina (or 1 kilo fresh masa)
  • 3 cups warm water
  • 10 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (310 g) light brown sugar
  • 10 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 20 banana leaf squares (6 x 6 in each), softened and cleaned

Steps

  1. Melt 2 chopped chocolate tablets in 1/4 cup hot water, then stir in 4 tablespoons cocoa powder to make a smooth filling. Set aside.
  2. Dissolve the remaining 3 chocolate tablets in the hot water (13 tablespoons).
  3. In a large bowl, combine masa harina with warm water until well mixed.
  4. Add vegetable oil, vanilla extract, brown sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and the dissolved chocolate mixture to the masa. Beat until the dough is light and fluffy.
  5. Spread a portion of the masa dough onto each banana leaf square.
  6. Place a spoonful of the chocolate filling in the center of the dough.
  7. Fold the banana leaf around the dough and filling to enclose the tamale.
  8. Arrange the tamales upright in a steamer and steam for about 45 minutes, until the dough pulls away easily from the leaf.

Notes

Mexican chocolate tablets (such as Abuelita brand) are traditionally used for their combination of chocolate, sugar, and cinnamon flavor.

Source: www.mexicoinmykitchen.com