Preparing tamales can be a lot of work, but the final product is worth it. However, it’s not much fun preparing tamales on an empty stomach. So, what to serve with tamales? In this blog post, we’ll explore some traditional and non-traditional options for serving tamales. Keep reading to learn more!
What is a tamale, and what are the different types of tamales?
Tamales are a delicious staple food in Mexican cuisine. Tamales are a type of food and a dish of corn dough that is steamed and then filled with meat and spices. Tamales are native to Mexico and are prepared using a corn husk or banana leaf that is either handmade or bought from a store.
The origin of the word tamales is unknown. “Tamales” is thought to be a Nahuatl (the native language of the Aztecs) word that translates to “wrapped thing”. Tamales are commonly prepared and eaten during HOLAMOS (the Mexican holiday season) and Christmas. Unlike in the United States, tamales are an acquired taste. They are commonly served in corn husks or banana leaf wraps.
What to serve with Tamales?
Tamales come in many flavors, including pork, chicken, beef, and cheese. Hung over a fire or steamed, tamales can be served in a variety of ways.
When you’re planning the menu for your tamale party, keep these different serving options in mind.
Salsa:
Salsa can be served with tamales. Even people who don’t like tamales like salsa. Choose a healthier option, such as homemade salsa rather than a store-bought.
Refried Beans:
Refried beans are a flavorful side dish that can complement tamales.
Rice:
Rice is another traditional side dish that can be served with tamales. Choose long-grain white rice or brown rice.
Mexican Corn:
Mexican corn is another side dish that can complement tamales.
Serve With Sausage and vegetable Tamales.
These are vegetarian tamale recipes. The masa is vegetarian, but if you choose, you can wrap the tamale in bacon. Tamales are a Mexican staple and a great place to get in some veggies without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups Masa Harina
- 1 cup cold water
- 2 cups cooked black beans
- 1/2 pound Kielbasa (or other sausage)
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup carrot, finely chopped
- 1 cup broccoli, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground red pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 8 husk leaves
- 8 corn husks
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/3 cup finely chopped cilantro
- 1/2 cup grated Cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper
Preparation
1. In a large bowl, combine masa harina and cold water. Mix until dough forms. Cover the dough with a towel and let rest for 10 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, combine black beans, sausage, onion, carrot, and broccoli. Add ground red pepper, salt, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, black pepper, garlic, vegetable oil, chicken stock, and lime juice. Stir until thoroughly mixed.
3. Add masa harina mixture and oregano. Stir until thoroughly mixed.
4. Using a 2-ounce ice cream scoop, scoop the masa mixture into tamales
Preparing Tamales with Turkey Breast
Tamales with turkey breast is a delicious recipe that is perfect for the holidays.
Ingredients:
- 1 large turkey breast, boned, skinless, and trimmed of fat
- 1 chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried sage
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 (15-ounce) can of stewed tomatoes
- 1 (15.75-ounce) can of diced tomatoes with chilies
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup quick-cooking tapioca
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, or masa
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 2 tablespoons baking powder
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 (15-ounce) can of tomato sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Steps:
1. Heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the turkey, onion, garlic, thyme, sage, pepper, salt, cloves, allspice, and tomatoes; cook for 3 minutes or until the turkey is browned, stirring. Transfer the mixture to a medium slow cooker; stir in the brown sugar, molasses, water, tapioca, and flour. Cover and cook on low for 3 hours.
2. Combine the cornmeal and baking powder in a large bowl. Add the egg and stir until smooth. Pour the batter into a zipper-lock bag. snip off the corner and squeeze the batter over the turkey mixture in the slow cooker; cover and cook on low for 2 hours.
3. Combine the tomato sauce, cumin, and oregano in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk. Pour the mixture over the turkey mixture into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 30 minutes or until the tamales are heated through.
For a sweet option, try serving them with fruit salsa or chunky guava sauce.
There’s nothing like tamales to melt away the chill of a long, hard day. For a sweet option, try serving them with fruit salsa or chunky guava sauce. This dish is sure to become a family classic.
One popular option is salsa verde, a green salsa made with tomatillos, jalapeños, and onions.
One popular option is salsa verde, a green salsa made with tomatillos, jalapeños, and onions. It’s spicy, fruity, and has a unique smoky flavor. Another traditional Mexican salsa is salsa roja, which is bright red and spicy.
For something less spicy, try salsa verde. This traditional Mexican salsa is made with tomatillos, jalapeños, and onions. It’s spicy, fruity, and has a unique smoky flavor. Another traditional Mexican salsa is salsa roja, which is bright red and spicy.
Conclusion
There are many ways you can serve tamales, both traditional and non-traditional options. From beans and rice to fried chicken, you can enjoy tamales with a variety of foods.
Do you have another idea for serving tamales? Let me know in the comments below.
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