The holidays are just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate other than tamales? The great thing about them is that you can make them savory or sweet. And today, we’re focusing on our sweet tooth while we give you some authentic recipes to make this holiday season! However, if you’re searching for savory tamales, come to Los Primos for some of the best Mexican food in NH!
Ingredients
The following ingredients listed below are to make three flavors of sweet tamales; strawberry, pineapple, and dulce de leche.
Fillings
- 30 corn husks
- One 8 oz block of cream cheese
- One cubed fresh pineapple (or one can of pineapples)
- 1 can of pineapples (crushed)
- One cup of strawberry preserves
- 1 cup of diced strawberries
- One cup of raisins
- ½ cup of pecans (chopped)
- One can of dulce de leche
- Red and yellow food coloring
Dough
- One stick of butter
- ¼ cup of shortening
- 3 pounds of freshly ground corn masa
- Two cups of sugar
- One tbsp of vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp of baking powder
- One tbsp of ground cinnamon
Instructions
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Prepare the Corn Husks and Dough
1. Soften the corn husks. Soak the dried corn husks in water until they become soft and pliable. Drain off any excess water before using them.
2. Prepare the dough. Combine all the dough ingredients in a large bowl and knead until everything is well incorporated. If the dough feels too firm, add a small amount of milk at a time until it reaches a softer consistency. If it becomes too moist, add a little more dough or flour to help balance the texture.
3. Divide and color the dough. Separate the dough into three equal portions. Add red food coloring to the first portion, yellow food coloring to the second, and leave the third portion uncolored for the dulce de leche tamales.
4. Mix the colors evenly. Knead each portion until the food coloring is fully incorporated and the dough has a consistent color throughout.
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Strawberry Sweet Tamales
1. Spread the dough. Place approximately 4 tablespoons of dough onto a softened corn husk. Flatten it evenly, spreading the dough toward both ends of the husk.
2. Add the strawberry filling. Spoon strawberry preserves into the center of the dough. Add 1 tablespoon of cream cheese and a few diced strawberries.
3. Fold and roll. Fold the pointed end of the corn husk downward, then roll the husk around the filling, burrito-style, to enclose the tamale.
4. Place in the steamer. Arrange the tamale upright in the steamer with the open end facing up.
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Pineapple Sweet Tamales
1. Prepare the pineapple dough. Mix crushed pineapple into the yellow dough until evenly distributed. Spread approximately 4 tablespoons of dough onto a softened corn husk, flattening it toward both ends.
2. Add the filling. Place diced pineapple and as many raisins as you like in the center of the dough.
3. Fold and roll. Fold the pointed end of the husk downward, then roll the tamale burrito-style to seal in the filling.
4. Transfer to the steamer. Place the pineapple tamale upright in the steamer with the open end facing up.
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Dulce de Leche Sweet Tamales
1. Spread the uncolored dough. Place approximately 4 tablespoons of uncolored dough onto a softened corn husk and flatten it evenly.
2. Add the dulce de leche filling. Spoon 1 tablespoon of cream cheese and 1 tablespoon of dulce de leche into the center. Sprinkle in as many pecans as you prefer.
3. Fold and roll. Fold the pointed end of the husk downward and roll the tamale burrito-style, enclosing the filling.
4. Place in the steamer. Arrange the tamale upright alongside the other flavors, keeping the open end facing up.
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Steam the Sweet Tamales
1. Prepare the steamer. Pour water into the bottom of the steamer, making sure the water level stays below the tamales.
2. Cover the tamales. Arrange any remaining corn husks over the tamales to help retain moisture, then cover the steamer with its lid.
3. Steam until cooked. Cook the tamales for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Check occasionally to ensure the steamer has enough water, adding more hot water if needed without letting it reach the tamales.
4. Cool and serve. Once the tamales are cooked, carefully remove them from the steamer and allow them to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your homemade sweet tamales in three delicious flavors: strawberry, pineapple, and dulce de leche!
Looking for the Best Mexican Food in NH? Come to Los Primos!
We pride ourselves at Los Primos on our ability to deliver some of the best and most authentic Mexican food around. If you’re curious about our delicious menu options, you can check out our online menu here! We’re open Monday through Thursday, 11 am to 10 pm, and Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 11 pm. We’re also open Sundays from 11 am to 9 pm!