Jun 09 2026
RestaurantsHacienda ColoradoTamales Recipe

Tamales Recipe

Inspired by Hacienda Colorado
Time3h
Serves6

chicken tamale with green sauce or pork tamale with red sauce. choose two 14.00 • choose three 16.25

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Ingredients

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Tamale Dough

Chicken Filling with Green Sauce

Pork Filling with Red Sauce

For Assembling

Method

Tamale Dough Preparation

  1. 1

    Soak Corn Husks

    In a large bowl, soak the corn husks in warm water for at least 30 minutes until pliable.

  2. 2

    Mix Dry Ingredients

    In a mixing bowl, combine masa harina, baking powder, and salt.

  3. 3

    Cream Shortening

    In another bowl, beat the vegetable shortening until fluffy.

  4. 4

    Combine Mixtures

    Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed shortening, alternating with the chicken or pork broth, mixing until well combined and smooth.

Chicken Filling with Green Sauce Preparation

  1. 5

    Mix Filling Ingredients

    In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, green salsa, cumin, and salt. Mix well.

Pork Filling with Red Sauce Preparation

  1. 6

    Mix Filling Ingredients

    In a bowl, combine the shredded pork, red salsa, smoked paprika, and salt. Mix well.

Assembling Tamales

  1. 7

    Prepare Corn Husks

    Drain and dry the soaked corn husks. Lay one husk flat and spread about 1/4 cup of tamale dough in the center.

  2. 8

    Add Filling

    Place 2 tablespoons of your chosen filling (chicken or pork) on top of the dough.

  3. 9

    Fold Tamales

    Fold the sides of the corn husk over the filling, then fold the bottom up to enclose the filling. Tie with a strip of corn husk if desired.

Cooking Tamales

  1. 10

    Steam Tamales

    Place the tamales upright in a steamer basket. Cover with a damp cloth and steam for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the masa separates easily from the husk.

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