It's recipe time! Cook Mexican vegan tamales at home
Tamales, a traditional Mesoamerican dish made from masa and steamed in corn husks or banana leaves, originate from ancient civilizations like the Aztecs and Mayans. This dish has evolved into various forms across Latin America. The vegan version preserves its rich cultural heritage while accommodating plant-based diets. Let's start cooking to bring a piece of Mexican tradition into your kitchen.
Gather the following ingredients
For this vegan tamale recipe, you will need two cups of masa harina, one cup of vegetable broth, half a cup of olive oil, one teaspoon baking powder, one teaspoon salt, one cup of cooked black beans, one cup of sweet corn kernels, half a cup of diced tomatoes, quarter cup chopped cilantro, two tablespoons chopped jalapenos (optional), and dried corn husks.
Preparing the masa
In a large bowl, mix together masa harina with baking powder and salt. Gradually add in the vegetable broth and olive oil to form a soft dough. If it feels too dry or stiff, add more broth as needed until you achieve a spreadable consistency. This step is crucial for ensuring your tamales have the perfect texture once steamed.
Filling and wrapping tamales
Soak dried corn husks in warm water for an hour until they become soft and pliable. To assemble the tamales, spread about two tablespoons of masa onto each husk, leaving space at the edges. Then spoon over black beans, sweet corn kernels, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and jalapenos if using. Fold the sides of the husks over the filling, then fold up the bottom.
Steaming your tamales
Fill a large pot with water just below a steamer basket's level and bring it to a boil. Arrange your wrapped tamales standing up in the basket—closed side down—and steam covered for about 60 to 90 minutes or until masa separates easily from husks. Ensure that water doesn't run dry by adding more as needed during steaming.
Serving suggestions
Serve your vegan tamales hot, either still in their husks or unwrapped on plates. They can be enjoyed as is or enhanced with toppings like avocado slices, salsa verde, or red chili sauce for added flavor. This dish not only offers an explosion of taste but also brings people together during festive seasons or family gatherings, embodying Mexican cuisine's tradition without using animal products.
