Tamales de Elote, or sweet corn tamales, are a traditional Mexican dish that is not only delicious but also fun to make. The process might seem complex at first glance, but with careful step-by-step guidance and a bit of patience, anyone can prepare these delightful treats at home.
Firstly, gather the necessary ingredients. You’ll need about six ears of fresh sweet corn (or four cups of kernels), half a cup of butter softened to room temperature, one cup of sugar, one teaspoon baking powder, and half a teaspoon salt. Also needed are dried corn husks which you can find in most Latin American grocery stores.
Start by soaking the dried corn husks in warm water for an hour until they become pliable. While waiting for the husks to soften up, remove the kernels from your fresh corn cobs using a knife. Then blend these kernels in a food processor until they turn into a coarse mixture resembling creamed corn.
In another bowl beat together your softened butter and sugar until it becomes light and fluffy. Gradually add in your ground corn kernels along with baking powder and salt while continuing to mix well after each addition.
After this preparation phase comes the assembly part which is essentially wrapping up your mixture inside the soaked corn husks. Lay out one husk flat on your work surface then place about two tablespoons worth of your prepared batter onto its center area leaving enough space around edges for folding later on.
Now fold over both sides toward middle so they overlap slightly then fold up bottom edge towards top creating what looks like little packets containing deliciousness within them! Repeat this process with remaining ingredients ensuring all tamales are securely wrapped before proceeding further.
Once done wrapping place all tamales vertically inside steamer basket ensuring folded ends face downwards so filling won’t spill out during cooking process. Steam these for about 45 minutes or until dough separates easily from husk when tested indicating that they’re done.
Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes before unwrapping. The result is a delightful tamale with the sweetness of corn, the richness of butter, and a hint of sugar. They can be enjoyed as they are or served with fresh cream or salsa for added flavor.
Making Tamales de Elote at home might seem like an intimidating task but it’s actually quite simple once you get hang of it. Plus there’s nothing quite like taste of homemade tamales especially when shared with loved ones around dinner table! So why not give this traditional Mexican dish try next time you’re in mood for something sweet yet savory? You won’t regret it!