Tamalitos de Chipilín
Tamalitos de Chipilín is a beloved traditional dish from Guatemala, offering a delightful interplay of textures and flavors. These savory steamed corn masa dumplings are mixed with cheese and laced with chipilín leaves, bringing a unique taste and aroma. Perfect as a main course or a side dish, these tamalitos are sure to transport you straight to Central America with each bite.
Ingredients
🌿 1 cup chipilín leaves jarred, preserved, brand not specified
🌽 4 cups Maseca masa harina corn flour
💧 3 cups water
🍗 1 cup chicken broth
🛢️ 1 cup oil
🧈 1 cup melted butter
🧀 2 cups shredded cheese Feta-type, queso seco, or queso fresco, brand not specified
🧂 1 teaspoon salt
🌽 Corn husks quantity varies, for wrapping
Instructions
1- Prepare Chipilín:
- If using fresh chipilín, wash thoroughly, remove leaves from stems, and allow to dry.
- For jarred chipilín, drain well and separate leaves from stems.
2- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large stainless steel mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of Maseca masa harina.
3- Add Wet Ingredients:
- Gradually add 3 cups of water, 1 cup chicken broth, 1 cup oil, and 1 cup melted butter to the masa harina.
4- Combine Masa:
- Mix all ingredients until a soft dough forms, using your hands or a wooden spoon.
5- Incorporate Cheese and Salt:
- Add 2 cups of shredded cheese and 1 teaspoon of salt to the masa.
- Mix thoroughly, ensure the mix is cohesive enough to form when shaped.
- Adjust the moisture by adding a spoonful of water if necessary.
6- Add Chipilín:
- Mix in approximately 1 cup of chipilín leaves, kneading to distribute evenly.
7- Prepare Corn Husks:
- Soak corn husks in hot water, drain thoroughly.
- If corn husks are unavailable, use aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or wax paper.
8- Form and Wrap Tamalitos:
- Shape portions of masa into small ovals or balls.
- Wrap each in a corn husk or your alternative wrap, securing with strips of husk if needed.
9- Set Up Steamer:
- Place a metal steamer basket in a large pot, fill the pot with water just below the basket level.
10- Steam Tamalitos:
- Arrange tamalitos in the basket.
- Cover with a plastic bag to trap steam, then secure the pot with a lid.
11- Cook:
- Steam over medium heat for 1 hour, checking water levels every 20 minutes to prevent drying out.
12- Serve:
- Once cooked, remove tamalitos from the steamer.
- Enjoy warm, possibly with a side of cream or additional cheese.
Prep Time: 30-45 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: About 12 tamalitos
Equipment: Large Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl, Wooden Spoon, Glass Measuring Cups, Stainless Steel Steamer Pot with Expandable Basket, Kitchen Timer
Cooking Tips
- Opt for jarred chipilín if fresh is unavailable.
- Adjust the salt level based on the cheese type.
- Ensure masa reaches the right consistency for easy shaping.
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VIDEO RECETAS CHAPINAS Y MAS: https://www.youtube.com/@Video.Recetas.Chapinas