There’s something magical about waking up to the aroma of Mexican tamales breakfast wafting through the air. The soft, steamy masa enveloping savory fillings, paired with the hint of spices, is a morning treat that no one can resist. savory hummus toast fluffy breakfast biscuits Picture yourself digging into this delightful dish while sipping your coffee and enjoying the warmth of home.
Growing up, tamales were a staple at family gatherings, especially during holidays. I fondly remember my abuela bustling around the kitchen, her laughter mixing with the sounds of sizzling ingredients. There’s nothing quite like sharing a meal that carries so many memories and flavors; it’s an experience meant for sharing, laughter, and maybe a few salsa dance moves in between bites.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Mexican tamales breakfast brings incredible flavor without overwhelming effort in preparation
- These colorful bundles are perfect for brunch or gatherings
- They look beautiful on any plate and are easily customizable based on your taste preferences
- Enjoy them with salsa or guacamole for an extra kick!
My friends still rave about that time I made these tamales for brunch; they practically licked their plates clean!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: nutritious baked oatmeal cups.
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masa harina: A fine corn flour essential for tamale dough; look for high-quality brands to elevate flavor. For more inspiration, check out this street corn chicken bowl recipe.
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water or broth: Use warm water or broth to achieve a light, fluffy consistency in your masa.
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filling (meat/veggies): Choose your favorite fillings; shredded chicken or roasted veggies work wonderfully here.
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corn husks: Soak them in warm water beforehand to ensure they’re pliable for wrapping your tamales.
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spices (cumin/chili powder): Don’t skimp on spices; they add depth and warmth to your filling.
For the Sauce:
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salsa verde or rojo: A vibrant sauce is necessary for drizzling over your tamales after cooking; choose based on heat preference.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. vegetarian nachos.
Let’s Make it together
Prepping these delightful Mexican tamales breakfast will be easier than you think! Let’s dive right into the process. For more inspiration, check out this watermelon feta salad recipe.
Prepare the Corn Husks: Start by soaking corn husks in warm water for about 30 minutes until soft and pliable. This step ensures easy wrapping later.
Mix the Masa Dough: In a large bowl, combine masa harina with warm water or broth. Mix until you achieve a smooth dough consistency; it should feel light and airy.
Add Flavorful Filling: Prepare your preferred filling by mixing cooked meat or veggies with spices in a separate bowl. Ensure everything is well-coated for maximum flavor.
Assemble Your Tamales: Take a soaked corn husk and spread about two tablespoons of masa dough on it, leaving space at both ends. Spoon filling onto the center before folding up tightly.
Steam Until Fluffy: Place assembled tamales upright in a steamer pot filled with boiling water. Cover and steam for about 1-1.5 hours until masa pulls away from husk easily.
Serve & Enjoy!: Carefully unwrap each tamale and drizzle with salsa verde or rojo before serving hot. Enjoy your flavorful creation while reminiscing about those cherished family moments!
You Must Know
- Mexican tamales for breakfast are a delightful way to start your day
- The combination of flavors and textures creates a satisfying meal that can be customized to your taste
- Plus, the aroma wafting through your kitchen will make everyone curious about what’s cooking
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the masa and filling simultaneously; this saves time and keeps everything fresh. Steam the tamales for about 1 to 1.5 hours, checking water levels occasionally to prevent burning.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to mix up the fillings! Try different meats, cheeses, or even veggies to match your cravings. Adding spices like cumin or chili powder can elevate the flavor profile too.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover tamales in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Reheat by steaming or microwaving with a damp paper towel on top to keep them moist.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh masa if possible; it makes a world of difference in texture and flavor
- Be gentle when assembling; overfilling can lead to messiness during cooking
- When steaming, ensure you have enough water at all times for perfect cooking results
Memories flood back when I recall my first attempt at making tamales—it was a hilarious mess! My friends cheered me on as I tried to wrap each one without spilling the filling everywhere.
FAQ
Can I use store-bought masa for Mexican tamales breakfast?
Yes, store-bought masa is convenient and can still yield delicious results.
What fillings work best for breakfast tamales?
Try scrambled eggs with chorizo or cheese and green chilies for tasty options.
How do I know when my tamales are done cooking?
Tamales are ready when the masa easily pulls away from the husk after steaming.
Mexican Breakfast Tamales
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: Makes approximately 10 servings 1x
Description
Wake up to the irresistible aroma of Mexican breakfast tamales! These soft, steamy bundles of masa are filled with savory meats or veggies, making them the perfect start to your day. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or enjoying a cozy morning at home, tamales add a festive touch to any meal. Pair them with salsa or guacamole for an extra zesty kick!
Ingredients
- 2 cups masa harina
- 1 cup warm water or broth
- 1 cup filling (shredded chicken, roasted veggies, etc.)
- 10 corn husks (soaked in warm water)
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salsa verde or rojo for serving
Instructions
- Soak corn husks in warm water for 30 minutes until soft.
- In a bowl, mix masa harina with warm water or broth until smooth and airy.
- Prepare filling by combining cooked meat or veggies with spices.
- Spread 2 tablespoons of masa dough on each corn husk, add filling, and fold tightly.
- Steam tamales upright in a pot of boiling water for 1 to 1.5 hours until masa pulls away from husk easily.
- Serve hot drizzled with salsa.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tamale (80g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
