Sandra Vasquez Tamale Recipe

Discover the magic of Sandra Vasquez's tamale recipe – a blend of tradition and innovation for mouthwatering perfection. Elevate your cooking today!

Sandra Vasquez Tamale

• Publisher: Crisp Recipe
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Category: Main Dish
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Servings: 24 tamales
• Calories: 150 calories

Sandra Vasquez, the founder of Mex-Sales Co. and the inventor of The Mas Tamales Masa Spreader, is renowned for her expertise in tamale-making. One of her signature tamale recipes showcases her commitment to authentic flavors and efficient techniques.

In this celebrated recipe, Sandra combines fresh masa with a flavorful mixture of unsalted butter, vegetable oil, ancho chili powder, and other carefully selected ingredients. The result is a smooth and rich masa that serves as the perfect canvas for a variety of fillings.

Sandra's attention to detail extends to the preparation process. The use of her innovative Mas Tamales Masa Spreader simplifies and expedites the spreading of masa, ensuring an even and efficient application.

The tamale filling is versatile, allowing for a personalized touch. Whether filled with savory meats or sweet ingredients, each tamale promises a burst of authentic Mexican flavors. The steaming process, lasting 1 1/2 to 2 hours, guarantees that the masa reaches the ideal firmness and is fully cooked.

Sandra Vasquez's tamale recipe is a testament to her passion for traditional Mexican cuisine, combining innovation with time-honored techniques to create a delightful culinary experience.

Recipe

Unlock the secrets of Sandra Vasquez's tantalizing tamale recipe! Dive into a culinary adventure that blends tradition and innovation for taste bud ecstasy. Let's elevate your tamale game!

Ingredients

• 4 lbs Fresh Masa
• 1 cup Unsalted Butter, softened
• 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil
• 2 tsp Salt
• 3 tbsp Ancho Chili Powder
• 2 cups Chicken Broth
• 1/4 cup Tomato Paste
• 1/4 cup Finely Chopped Cilantro
• 1 tbsp Baking Powder
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced

Method Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine fresh masa, softened butter, and vegetable oil. Mix until well combined.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together chicken broth, ancho chili powder, salt, tomato paste, cilantro, baking powder, and minced garlic.
3. Gradually add the broth mixture to the masa mixture, stirring well after each addition. The masa should have a smooth and consistent texture.
4. Allow the masa to rest for 15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
5. Use Sandra Vasquez's Mas Tamales Masa Spreader for easy and even spreading of masa.
6. Fill each tamale with your favorite ingredients, whether it's savory meats or sweet fillings.
7. Steam cook the tamales for approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the masa is firm and fully cooked.

Recipe Video

Sandra Vasquez Tamale

This is a video about Sandra Vasquez Tamale.

Rated: 4.9 of 5.0 from 189 reviews.

Recipe Tags: Sandra Vasquez Tamale, Sandra Vasquez Tamale Recipe, Recipe

Servings

To serve Sandra Vasquez's delicious tamales, follow these steps for an authentic and enjoyable experience:

• Unwrap with Care: Gently unwrap the tamale from its corn husk or banana leaf, revealing the tantalizing aroma of the steamed masa and flavorful filling.
• Plate with Style: Place the unwrapped tamale on a plate, presentation side up. If you're serving multiple tamales, you can arrange them in an appealing pattern.
• Garnish: Add a touch of freshness and color by garnishing with chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also complements the flavors.
• Sauces and Sides: Offer traditional accompaniments like salsa verde, salsa roja, or guacamole on the side. These condiments add extra layers of flavor to each bite.
• Serve Warm: Tamales are best enjoyed warm. If you've made a large batch, consider keeping them in a covered dish or steamer until serving to maintain their temperature.
• Pair with Beverages: Complete the experience by serving with traditional Mexican beverages like horchata, agua fresca, or a refreshing citrus-infused drink.

Tips

1. Quality Ingredients: Use fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. This includes fresh masa, good-quality lard, and flavorful chili powder.
2. Masa Consistency: Achieve a smooth and consistent masa by mixing it well after each addition of the broth and lard mixture. This ensures that the flavors are evenly distributed.
3. Resting Time: Allow the masa to rest for the recommended time (10 minutes in the original recipe or 15 minutes in the alternative recipe). This allows the ingredients to meld, resulting in a more flavorful tamale.
4. Mas Tamales Masa Spreader: Take advantage of the Mas Tamales Masa Spreader for efficient and even spreading of masa. It makes the process faster and helps achieve a uniform thickness.
5. Filling Variation: Get creative with your tamale fillings. Whether you prefer savory with meats or sweet with fruits, customize the fillings to suit your taste.
6. Steaming Time: Steam the tamales for the suggested time (1 1/2 to 2 hours) to ensure that the masa is fully cooked and has the right texture. Check periodically to add more water to the steamer if needed.
7. Garnishes and Sauces: Elevate the presentation by adding fresh garnishes like cilantro, tomatoes, or queso fresco. Serve with a variety of sauces for dipping, such as salsa verde or salsa roja.
8. Enjoy Fresh: Tamales are best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator and reheat by steaming for a few minutes.

Ingredient Substitutes

1. Fresh Masa:
   • Substitute with masa harina (corn flour specifically for tamales).
   • Follow the masa harina package instructions for mixing to achieve the right consistency.
2. Lard:
   • Substitute with vegetable shortening for a vegetarian option.
   • Butter can also be used, but it will impart a different flavor.
3. Vegetable Shortening:
   • Replace with an equal amount of lard or butter.
   • Coconut oil can be a non-traditional substitute, but it will add a distinct flavor.
4. Ancho Chili Powder:
   • Use regular chili powder if ancho chili powder is unavailable.
   • Adjust the quantity based on your spice preference.
5. Chicken Broth:
   • Replace with vegetable broth or water for a vegetarian version.
   • Consider adding a pinch of cumin or paprika for depth of flavor.
6. Tomato Paste:
   • Substitute with tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes.
   • Adjust the quantity to maintain the desired consistency.
7. Baking Powder:
   • Use baking soda if baking powder is not available, but use half the amount.
   • Alternatively, you can use a combination of cream of tartar and baking soda.
8. Garlic Powder:
   • Use finely minced fresh garlic as a substitute for garlic powder.
   • Adjust the quantity based on your taste preferences.

Remarks

As you savor the exquisite flavors of Sandra Vasquez's tamale masterpiece, embrace the joy of crafting tradition in your own kitchen. Happy tamale making!