Are you craving delicious homemade tamales, but don’t have a lot of time or access to a traditional cooking method? Look no further – cooking tamales in a slow cooker is a convenient and tasty alternative! Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply satisfying your Mexican food cravings, this method will have you enjoying mouthwatering tamales with minimal effort.

What are tamales?

Tamales are a popular Mexican dish made of masa (corn dough) filled with various ingredients, such as meat, cheese, or vegetables. They are wrapped in corn husks and traditionally steamed or boiled. However, using a slow cooker can achieve the same tender and flavorful results with less hands-on time.

So, how do you cook tamales in a slow cooker?

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients

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The first step is to gather all the necessary ingredients for your tamales. This typically includes masa harina (corn flour), chicken or pork, spices, corn husks, and any other fillings or toppings you desire. It’s important to follow your chosen recipe for specific measurements and ingredients.

Step 2: Soak the corn husks

Next, soak the corn husks in warm water for about 30 minutes until they become pliable. This will make it easier to wrap the tamales later.

Step 3: Prepare the masa dough

While the corn husks are soaking, prepare the masa dough according to your recipe. Mix the masa harina with water or broth until it forms a smooth and spreadable consistency. Add in any additional ingredients or seasonings, such as salt or chili powder, as desired.

Get the necessary ingredients

To cook tamales in a slow cooker, you will need the following ingredients:

2 cups masa harina
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup lard or vegetable shortening
1 1/3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup salsa or enchilada sauce
2 cups cooked shredded chicken or pork
1 cup shredded cheese (such as cheddar or Monterey Jack)
1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
12 corn husks, soaked in warm water for at least 30 minutes

Make sure you have all these ingredients ready before you start cooking the tamales in your slow cooker.

Prepare the corn husks

Before you can start making tamales, you need to prepare the corn husks. Corn husks are used to wrap the tamale dough and keep it intact during the cooking process. Here is how you can prepare the corn husks:

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1. Soak the corn husks

Start by soaking the corn husks in warm water for about 30 minutes, or until they become pliable. This step helps soften the husks and makes them easier to work with.

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2. Rinse the corn husks

Once the corn husks are soaked, rinse them under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Gently rub them between your fingers to make sure they are clean.

3. Pat dry the corn husks

After rinsing, pat dry each corn husk with a clean towel or paper towel. Make sure to remove any excess water, as this will affect the final texture of the tamales.

Once the corn husks are prepared, you can move on to the next steps in the tamale-making process. By properly preparing the corn husks, you ensure that your tamales will have the perfect texture and flavor.

Make the tamale dough

Once you have gathered all the necessary ingredients for your tamales, it is time to prepare the dough. The tamale dough is also known as “masa” and it forms the base of the tamale, providing a soft and flavorful texture.

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Here is a step-by-step guide to making tamale dough:

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups masa harina
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken stock
  • 1/2 cup melted lard
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the masa harina, baking powder, and salt. Mix them well with a fork or a whisk until they are evenly distributed.

Step 2: Gradually add the melted lard to the dry ingredients. Use a spoon or your hands to mix them together. Make sure the lard is well incorporated and evenly distributed in the dough.

Step 3: Slowly pour in the chicken stock while continuing to mix the dough. Keep mixing until the dough comes together and reaches a soft and pliable consistency. You may need to add more stock if the dough feels dry.

Step 4: Once the dough is well mixed and has reached the desired consistency, cover it with a damp kitchen towel and let it rest for about 15 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and make the dough easier to work with.

Note: If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can use vegetable stock and vegetable shortening instead of chicken stock and lard.

Now that you have made the tamale dough, you can move on to the next steps of assembling and cooking the tamales.

Prepare the filling

Before you start assembling the tamales, you need to prepare the filling. Here’s how:

1. Choose your filling ingredients

Traditionally, tamales are filled with a mixture of meat, such as shredded chicken or pork, along with some sauce and spices. However, you can get creative and experiment with different fillings to suit your taste. Some popular options include cheese and jalapenos, beans and cheese, or even sweet fillings like chocolate and raisins.

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2. Cook the meat

If you’re using meat as your filling, you’ll need to cook it first. You can do this by boiling it, baking it, or using a slow cooker. Make sure the meat is fully cooked and tender before shredding it for the tamales.

3. Prepare the sauce

The sauce is an essential component of the filling as it adds flavor and moisture to the tamales. You can use store-bought salsa or make your own by blending tomatoes, onions, garlic, and your choice of spices. Simmer the sauce on the stovetop until it thickens slightly.

4. Mix the filling ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the shredded meat, sauce, and any additional ingredients you’re using for your filling. Mix well until everything is evenly coated in the sauce.

Once you have prepared the filling, you are ready to start assembling your tamales in the slow cooker.

Assemble the tamales

Once the masa dough and filling are prepared, it’s time to assemble the tamales. Here’s how:

  1. Soak the corn husks in warm water for about 30 minutes to make them pliable.
  2. Take a soaked corn husk and spread a thin layer of masa dough onto the center of the husk.
  3. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of the masa dough.
  4. Fold one side of the corn husk over the filling, and then fold the other side over to completely enclose the filling.
  5. Take the bottom of the husk and fold it up towards the center, then tie the tamales securely with kitchen twine.
  6. Repeat this process with the remaining corn husks, masa dough, and filling until all the tamales are assembled.

It’s important to make sure the tamales are tightly wrapped to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking.

Cook the tamales in a slow cooker

Using a slow cooker to cook tamales is a convenient and easy method that produces delicious results. The slow cooker allows the tamales to cook low and slow, resulting in tender and flavorful tamales. Follow the steps below to cook tamales in a slow cooker:

Ingredients:

  • Tamales
  • Water or broth

Instructions:

  1. Plug in and preheat the slow cooker on the low setting.
  2. Wrap individual tamales tightly in aluminum foil.
  3. Place the wrapped tamales into the slow cooker.
  4. Add enough water or broth to the slow cooker to cover the tamales.
  5. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours. Alternatively, you can cook on high heat for 2-3 hours.
  6. Check the tamales for doneness by opening one of the foil-wrapped tamales and ensuring that the masa is cooked through and the filling is hot.
  7. Once the tamales are done, carefully remove them from the slow cooker and let them cool slightly before unwrapping.
  8. Serve the tamales warm with your favorite toppings or sauces.
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Using a slow cooker to cook tamales not only saves time and effort, but it also allows the flavors to meld together and the tamales to become incredibly tender. Give this method a try and enjoy delicious homemade tamales with minimal fuss!

Slow Cooker Tamale Cooking Times
Setting Cooking Time
Low 4-6 hours
High 2-3 hours

FAQ

What are tamales?

Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish made of masa (a type of corn dough) filled with various ingredients such as meat, cheese, or vegetables, wrapped in corn husks, and steamed or boiled.

Can tamales be cooked in a slow cooker?

Yes, tamales can be cooked in a slow cooker. It is a convenient method that allows for a longer cooking time at a low temperature, resulting in tender and flavorful tamales.

How do I prepare the tamales for cooking in a slow cooker?

To prepare tamales for cooking in a slow cooker, you will need to assemble and wrap the tamales as usual with the corn husks. Then, arrange them upright in the slow cooker, adding water to reach about halfway up the tamales. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours.

What are the advantages of cooking tamales in a slow cooker?

Cooking tamales in a slow cooker has several advantages. Firstly, it allows for a longer cooking time, which helps to tenderize the meat and develop rich flavors. Secondly, it is a convenient method as you can simply set it and forget it, without the need for constant monitoring. Lastly, using a slow cooker helps to retain moisture, resulting in moist and delicious tamales.

What are some tips for cooking tamales in a slow cooker?

When cooking tamales in a slow cooker, it is important to arrange them upright to ensure even cooking. Make sure to add enough water to reach about halfway up the tamales to prevent them from drying out. You can also add additional flavorings such as garlic or spices to the water for extra taste. Lastly, avoid opening the slow cooker lid too frequently as it will slow down the cooking process.