What can I use for a tamale steamer?

A large saucepan or pot can suffice instead of a steamer, as long as it is deep enough. If you are using a pot, you can use a strainer or even the lid of another pot to keep the tamales steaming above the boiling water instead of a steamer basket.

How many tamales fit in a 20 quart steamer?

4 dozen tamales in the steamer (could have fit more) and they steamed wonderfully. I did what my grandma used to do and put a dish towel over the tamales to keep the water from dripping onto the tamales. I would recommend this steamer if you are not doing more than 5 dozen tamales at a time.

Why are my tamales falling apart?

The dough needs to be mixed together well. Dough that is not mixed enough will fall apart later. To avoid a crumbly, dry result, use an electric mixer to mix the masa dough until one teaspoon of it will float in a bowl of cold water.

How long should I steam my tamales?

Bring the water to a light boil. Place the tamales vertically, open-side up in the steamer, but don’t pack them too tightly or they won’t have room to expand. Cover with some extra corn husks. Cover and steam until the corn husk easily pulls away from the tamal, about 35 minutes.

What is a Tamalera?

tamalera (plural tamaleras) A person or factory that makes tamales.

What happens if you cook tamales too long?

This steaming process is key to making sure these come out perfect. You want to make sure you don’t steam them for too long and that you don’t undercook them. Over-steaming your tamales can resolved in tamales that are too soggy and too soft, and they can fall apart as soon as you try to cut into them.

Why do tamales get hard?

If your masa isn’t adequately hydrated, the tamales will come out sandy and dry; if you haven’t beaten the dough enough, they’ll be too dense. The most important thing to remember is that tamal masa must be very moist and light.

Do you cover tamales when steaming?

Place the tamales in the slow cooker standing them upright (with folded side down). Do not overcrowd the tamales as they need room for the dough to expand while steaming. Cover the tops of the tamales with extra corn husks, then cover the top with a layer of aluminum foil to help trap in the steam.

Can you overcook tamales?

What size should tamales be?

Unless you want to make tamales the size of a meatloaf, it’s a good idea to give them a little trim—about 5″ wide.

What side dish goes with tamales?

What to serve with tamales (19 complementary sides)

• Mexican rice.
• Cucumber tomato avocado salad.
• Tortilla chips.
• Black beans.
• Pinto beans.
• Refried beans.
• Cilantro lime rice.
• Jalapeño cheddar cornbread.