- Canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (optional for flavor) - Keyword: chipotle peppers
- Ground cumin - Keyword: ground cumin
- Salt to taste - Keyword: salt
- Freshly ground black pepper - Keyword: black pepper
- Optional: Sugar for sweetness - Keyword: sugar
- Lard or vegetable oil for cooking (or use an alternative like olive oil) - Keyword: lard, vegetable oil
Steps
### How to Make Delicious Bean Tamales (Tamales de Frijoles)
Bean tamales are a flavorful Mexican dish that combines the richness of masa dough with the deliciousness of beans. Follow these steps to create your own authentic bean tamales at home, perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.
#### Ingredients:
- 2 cups dried black beans
- 6 cups water
- 10-12 large corn husks (save extra in case of breakage)
- 3 cups masa harina (corn flour)
- 2 tablespoons lard or vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chicken broth, warm
- Optional: onions, garlic, chilis for flavor
#### Equipment:
- Large pot for cooking beans
- Steamer basket or a tamale steamer
- Cooking spray
- Corn husks (soaked in water)
### Step-by-Step Guide:
#### 1. Soak and Cook the Beans
- Rinse 2 cups of dried black beans under cold water.
- Place the beans in a large pot with 6 cups of water, cover, and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 45 minutes or until the beans are tender.
- Drain and set aside.
#### 2. Prepare the Masa
- In a large bowl, combine masa harina with 2 tablespoons of lard (or oil) and 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Slowly add warm chicken broth to form a thick dough that holds its shape when pinched but is still pliable.
#### 3. Make the Filling
- Sauté onions and garlic in a bit of oil until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add chilis (if using) for an extra kick, then add cooked beans and mix well to combine.
- Allow filling to cool slightly before use.
#### 4. Soak Corn Husks
- Soak corn husks in water for at least 30 minutes until they are pliable but not mushy.
#### 5. Assemble the Tamales
- Lay a soaked corn husk on a flat surface with the stem end facing you.
- Spoon about 1/4 cup of bean filling onto the bottom half of each husk, spreading it out evenly to form a rectangle shape.
- Place a small piece of masa dough over the filling and press gently to seal.
#### 6. Fold the Tamales
- Fold the bottom end up over the masa and filling, then fold in the sides as you would wrap a gift. Seal with more masa if needed.
- Continue folding until the tamale is tightly wrapped.
#### 7. Steam the Tamales
- Place tamales upright in a steamer basket or tamale steamer lined with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Fill a large pot halfway with water and bring it to a boil, then place the steamer over the water, ensuring it does not touch the surface of the boiling water.
- Steam for about 1 hour or until masa is firm and tamales are fully cooked.
#### 8. Serve
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly before unwrapping.
- Enjoy your delicious bean tamales with a side of traditional Mexican salsa, sour cream, or avocado for added flavor.
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- Provide detailed steps with bullet points to make the instructions easy to follow.
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By following these steps and tips, you can create authentic and delicious bean tamales that are sure to impress your family and friends!