In general, Tamales They are among the most marked preferences of Mexicans. It occupies a preferential place among the most typical and emblematic dishes of Mexican gastronomy. They are consumed daily and especially at Christmas time and on the La Candelaria festivity. This last festivity is linked to the tradition that the person who touches the figure of the baby Jesus when breaking the Three Kings Day bagel must pay for the tamales consumed on February 2.
Made from corn flour, with multiple and delicious fillings and covered with banana leaves or with the dried leaves of the corn cob, the truth is that each region of Mexico has varied the original tamale recipe, which is why there are hundreds of variations.
Among them are the cheese slice tamales, a classic that Mexicans usually eat for breakfast. In their preparation, a small portion of amaranth is added, a plant that gives them an exquisite flavor and the perfect consistency. This content is about these tamales.
About its origin
We know that its origin dates back 500 years, in close relationship with the pre-Hispanic cultures where they were prepared by the Indians. It is a theme that has been lent to various versions that place the origin of this dish in Peru, Chile, Bolivia or Argentina, but history scholars place it in the central zone of Mexico.
Perhaps because corn originates from there, the central ingredient in the preparation of tamales and from which the Aztecs also began to make tortillas and some fermented drinks. They began to take advantage of this resource that would later become an ally of many foods, including the famous cheese slice tamales.
It is said that it was the Mexicans who were in charge of spreading it to other parts of the continent, taking advantage of the commercial relations of the time and initially it was made in the communities to celebrate religious festivals. They offered them to thank the fertile land, they offered them to the dead and they also began to be part of many social events.
The original recipe has evolved over time, with the use of meat and lard being one of the first modifications, which was carried out by the Spaniards who arrived in those lands. Later, multiple variations arose, to the point that there are currently much more than five hundred different recipes throughout Mexico.
Cheese slice tamales recipe
Once we have talked about the importance and origin of this dish that Mexicans love, it is time for us to focus on its preparation. Let's first get to know the ingredients that are usually used and then we will move on to its preparation itself.
Ingredients
The ingredients that are generally used in the recipe of the rajas tamales with cheese are the following:
- Dry leaves from the corn cob.
- Previously prepared corn dough to which salt, baking powder and lard are added.
- Chili peppers julienned rajas.
- Green tomatoes and chopped onions and cilantro.
- Preferably vegetable oil.
- Pig lard.
- Sliced cheese.
- A pinch of baking powder, salt to taste and chicken broth.
As can be seen, these are simple ingredients, easy to acquire in Mexican lands. With all of them at hand, we are going to prepare the cheese slice tamales.
Preparation
- The corn husks should be soaked for an hour or so to make them soft and workable.
- To prepare the rajas, oil the chili that you have selected and place them on the fire to roast them on both sides. When all the skin has been burned, they are stored in a plastic bag for 45 minutes. After that time they are taken out, the burned skin is removed and they are washed sufficiently, removing the seeds and veins. Add the tomatoes, onion and other ingredients.
- Cut the chilies in julienne strips and arrange them in two containers with equal amounts.
- Two tablespoons of corn dough are scooped onto the sheet and flattened to a thickness that some say should be two inches or so.
- Place the slices in the center of the dough adding a slice of cheese.
- Cover the dough and its filling with the sheet.
- The tamales are placed in the pot and they are cooked for an hour.
- When they are ready, they are left to rest for 20 minutes and the sheet is removed.
Tips for preparing delicious cheese slice tamales
The dough for the tamales can be purchased already prepared in the markets or it can be prepared at home, which allows it to give it the desired flavor and texture, as well as the security of using a fresh dough.
There are those who prefer to use the dough to make tortillas in the preparation of cheese slice tamales because it is thinner and makes the tamale soft, in addition to the fact that this dough is less work to knead.
Adding spices to the flour along with the other ingredients gives the tamales a better flavor. Garlic, cumin, and also ground chili are excellent options.
Adding lard or kneading butter to the flour makes the tamales fluffier and lighter.
Adding a few seasonings to the water in the tamalera further enhances the flavor of the tamales. It can be cilantro, parsley or bay leaves.
Did you know…?
The corn used in the preparation of cheese slice tamales It is a cereal that provides vitamins A and C to the body, as well as being a source of minerals such as phosphorus, zinc and magnesium. It has antioxidant properties that prevent aging and eye problems and is an important source of fiber, which is beneficial for digestion and helps maintain normal blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
