Best 7 Hot Heart Of Texas Pork Tamales Recipes

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The hot heart of Texas pork tamales is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Made with a savory filling of tender pork shoulder, a warm and comforting masa dough, and a rich chili gravy, these tamales are sure to become a family favorite. Whether you're a seasoned tamale maker or you're trying your hand at this traditional dish for the first time, this article will provide you with everything you need to know to make the best hot heart of Texas pork tamales. From gathering the necessary ingredients to assembling and cooking the tamales, we'll guide you through the process step-by-step, ensuring that your tamales come out perfect every time.

Let's cook with our recipes!

PORK TAMALES



Pork Tamales image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 3h55m

Yield 24 tamales

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 1/2 pounds boneless pork shoulder, cut into 3-inch pieces
Kosher salt
1 onion, quartered
4 sprigs fresh thyme or 2 teaspoons dried thyme
2 teaspoons dried oregano (preferably Mexican)
2 bay leaves
12 black peppercorns
24 dried corn husks
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/3 cup plus 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 clove garlic, minced
2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons sugar
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
4 cups masa harina (instant corn flour)
1 1/3 cups lard

Steps:

  • Make the filling: Put the pork in a deep saucepan and cover with cold water (about 6 cups). Add 2 teaspoons salt, the onion, thyme, oregano, bay leaves and peppercorns; cover and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook until the pork is tender, 1 hour, 30 minutes to 2 hours. Transfer the pork to a plate and shred. Strain and reserve the cooking liquid; keep warm.
  • Meanwhile, soak the corn husks in a bowl of hot water, using a plate to keep them submerged, until pliable, 1 hour.
  • Combine the pork, cumin, 1/3 cup chili powder, the garlic, flour, sugar, vegetable oil and 1 cup of the reserved cooking liquid in a large skillet. Bring to a simmer over medium heat; cook, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid is absorbed, about 25 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, make the dough: Mix the masa harina, lard, 2 teaspoons salt, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon chili powder and 2 2/3 cups of the reserved cooking liquid in a bowl until combined.
  • Drain the husks and pat dry. Starting 1/2 inch from the wide end, spread about 3 tablespoons of the dough down a husk, leaving a 1-inch border on the sides. Spoon 2 tablespoons of the pork filling down the center of the dough, then fold in the sides of the husk, wrapping the dough around the filling. Fold up the narrow end of the husk. Repeat with the remaining husks, dough and filling.
  • Set a steamer basket in a large pot filled with 1 to 2 inches of water. Arrange the tamales standing up in the steamer, folded-side down. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, cover and steam until the dough is firm, 45 to 50 minutes. Remove from the steamer and let cool slightly before unwrapping.

TíA CHITA'S TRADITIONAL MEXICAN PORK TAMALES



Tía Chita's Traditional Mexican Pork Tamales image

We felt tamales were appropriate for Día de los Muertos because of how labor intensive they are. The "tamalada," a family gathering to make tamales, allows us an opportunity to gather as a family to celebrate and honor our ancestors' memory, and at the end of the day, everyone takes home at least a dozen. What makes Tía Chita's recipe different is the amount of manteca (lard) we use to make it easier for the tamales to slide off the leaf.

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 5h

Yield 30 to 32 tamales

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 1/2 pounds bone-in pork butt roast
2 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil
1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
3 dried bay leaves
1/2 medium onion
4 large cloves garlic
Kosher salt
30 to 32 corn husks (from one 8-ounce package)
2 ancho chiles
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
12 ounces lard
4 cups masa harina preparada (instant corn flour) for tamales, such as Maseca Tamal
3/4 teaspoon baking powder

Steps:

  • There are a few steps to making tamales and it is usually an all-day affair.
  • Cooking the meat: Chop the pork butt into 3-inch cubes; reserve the bone.
  • Add the oil to a large pot or Dutch oven and place over medium-high heat (we use a Dutch oven because it seems to cook faster). Add the pork butt to the pot. Sear the sides slightly until just golden, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Add the peppercorns, bay leaves, onion, 3 cloves of the garlic and 1 tablespoon salt. Add 2 to 4 cups of water, or enough to cover the pork butt, then add the reserved bone. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and bring it to a boil. Cook on medium heat until very tender, about 2 hours.
  • Preparing the corn husks: Separate the corn husks and take off all the little hairs and dust from them. Allow them to soak in hot water while the pork is cooking (or soak overnight).
  • Carefully remove the pork from the broth with tongs to a plate or cutting board. Pour the leftover broth through a colander into a large bowl so that all the onion and other ingredients stay behind. Set the strained broth aside for later (about 4 cups).
  • Shred the meat with 2 forks into small bite-size pieces. (You want it small enough that you aren't getting large pieces or chunks into the tamal.) Transfer to a medium saucepan.
  • Preparing the chile: Cut the stems from the ancho chiles, open them and remove all the seeds and veins. Put them in a 3-quart saucepan, cover with water and add 1 teaspoon salt. Place over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Once the water is boiling, remove from the heat, set aside, cover and let steam for 5 minutes.
  • To a blender, add the softened chiles, ground cumin and 1/4 teaspoon salt and blend. Press in the remaining clove of garlic and slowly add 2/3 cup of the reserved pork broth. Continue to blend until smooth. Pour through a fine-mesh strainer into a medium bowl. Reserve 1/4 cup of the chile mixture for the masa, then pour the remaining red chile sauce over the shredded pork and mix together to combine. Keep warm over low heat.
  • Preparing the masa: Melt the lard in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Pour the melted lard into a large bowl. Add the masa harina to the bowl of lard, then add the baking powder, 3/4 teaspoon salt, reserved 1/4 cup of the red chile sauce and 1/2 cup of the reserved pork broth. Knead well. Add more pork broth as needed until the dough is moistened and fluffy.
  • Assembling the tamales: Drain the husks and pat them dry with a clean towel. Spread the kneaded masa onto the smooth side of the corn husks with a spoon in the center of the husks (2 to 3 tablespoons of masa per husk). Add the meat to the center of the masa, 1 to 2 tablespoons per husk. Fold over the husks in half vertically so that the masa wraps around the filling completely. Fold the pointy side up at the end to hold the tamale in place.
  • Cooking the tamales: Arrange the tamales open-side up around the inside of a steamer basket that fits into a large (10-quart) pot, packing the tamales together. If there's extra space in the steamer basket, place a mason jar or small heatproof ceramic bowl upside down in the center, arranging the tamales around it. Arrange a layer of husks around the sides of the steamer basket and up over the top of the tamales and cover with a damp kitchen towel. Fill the large pot with 1 to 2 inches of water. (Note: You can put a penny at the bottom of the pot so you can hear it rolling when you need more water.) Bring the water to a rolling simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium low, set the steamer basket inside of the pot and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Allow the tamales to steam for 1 to 2 hours or until the masa pulls away from the husks. Let sit to cool down for 5 to 10 minutes. Use tongs to remove the tamales afterwards and set on a jelly roll pan to cool down.

HOT (HEART OF TEXAS) PORK TAMALES



HOT (HEART OF TEXAS) PORK TAMALES image

Categories     Pork     Braise     Christmas     Easter

Yield 6-8 dozen

Number Of Ingredients 19

1/4 cup chili powder
2 tablespoons kosher salt
2 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
2 1/2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
2 teaspoons ground black pepper
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 pounds pork roast
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
6-8 dozen dried corn husks
1 lb Masa Harina-Instant Corn Masa
1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 ½ lb lard or shortening
3 to 4 cups beef or chicken broth

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, combine chili powder, kosher salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper and cumin. Cut the pork into even pieces and place into a 6 to 8-quart pot. Add the half of spice mixture and enough water to completely cover the meat. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce to low and simmer until the meat is tender and falling apart. When cooled, shred the meat into small pieces, pulling apart with your hands or using 2 forks. Reserve cooking liquid. Place a skillet over medium heat; add vegetable oil. Add onion and cook translucent. Add the garlic, jalapeno, and remaining half of the spice mixture and continue to cook for another minute. Add the meat and cook until heated through, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat. While the meat is cooking, place the husks in a large bowl or container and submerge completely in hot water. Soak the husks until they are soft and pliable, at least 1-2 hours. Place the cornmeal, salt, and baking powder into a large mixing bowl and combine. Add the lard and knead together until the lard is well mixed. Gradually add enough of the reserved cooking liquid, 3 to 4 cups. The dough should be moist but not wet. Cover with a damp towel. Remove a corn husks from the water and pat dry to remove excess water. Spread 2 tablespoons of the dough evenly layer across the wide end of the husk to within 1/2-inch of the edges. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the meat mixture in a line down the center of the dough. Roll the husk so the dough surrounds the meat, then fold the bottom under to finish creating the tamale. Tie with kitchen twine. Stand the tamales upright on their folded ends in same pot used to cook the meat. Add chicken broth. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, simmering until the dough is firm and pulls away easily from the husk, 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

TRADITIONAL TAMALES (PORK)



Traditional Tamales (Pork) image

This tamale recipe is about as traditional as you can get, although I use a roast instead of the whole pig head that many use. These take about all day to make and are a lot of work, but they are so worth the time and the effort. They are a huge hit here in the West. For added flavor, top with either some of the red sauce used to prepare this recipe, or with my favorite, green chili sauce with pork, recipe #20574. Serve with sides of Spanish rice, refried beans topped with cheese and frosty margaritas for a delicious authentic Mexican meal.

Provided by Karen From Colorado

Categories     Pork

Time 6h

Yield 50 Tamales

Number Of Ingredients 10

3 1/2 lbs pork shoulder or 3 1/2 lbs pork butt, trimmed of fat and cut up
10 cups water
1 medium onion, quartered
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 1/2 teaspoons salt
4 cups red chili sauce (see Red Chili Sauce (To Be Used With Traditional Tamales) for red chili sauce)
3/4 cup shortening
6 cups masa harina
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
50 dried corn husks (about 8 inches long)

Steps:

  • In a 5 qt Dutch oven, bring pork, water, onion, garlic and 1 1/2 salt to boil.
  • Simmer covered, about 2 1/2 hours or until meat is very tender.
  • Remove meat from broth and allow both meat and broth to cool. (Chilling the broth will allow you to easily remove the fat if you desire to do so).
  • Shred the meat using 2 forks, discarding fat.
  • Strain the broth and reserve 6 cups.
  • In a large sauce pan, heat the red chili sauce and add meat; simmer, covered for 10 minutes.
  • To make masa beat shortening on medium speed in a large bowl for 1 minute.
  • In a separate bowl, stir together masa harina, baking powder and 2 teaspoons salt.
  • Alternately add masa harina mixture and broth to shortening, beating well after each addition. (Add just enough broth to make a thick, creamy paste).
  • In the mean time, soak corn husks in warm water for at least 20 minutes; rinse to remove any corn silk and drain well.
  • To assemble each tamale, spread 2 tablespoons of the masa mixture on the center of the corn husk (each husk should be 8 inches long and 6 inches wide at the top. If husks are small, overlap 2 small ones to form one. If it is large, tear a strip from the side).
  • Place about 1 tablespoon meat and sauce mixture in the middle of the masa.
  • Fold in sides of husk and fold up the bottom.
  • Place a mound of extra husks or a foil ball in the center of a steamer basket placed in a Dutch oven.
  • Lean the tamales in the basket, open side up.
  • Add water to Dutch oven just below the basket.
  • Bring water to boil and reduce heat.
  • Cover and steam 40 minutes, adding water when necessary.
  • To freeze these for future meals, leave them in the husks and place them in freezer bags. To reheat, thaw and wrap in a wet paper towel and reheat in the microwave for 2 minutes for one or two or re-steam them just until hot.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 153.3, Fat 9.3, SaturatedFat 2.8, Cholesterol 22.5, Sodium 196.5, Carbohydrate 10.7, Fiber 0.9, Sugar 0.1, Protein 6.8

GRANDMA RUTHS HOT TAMALES



Grandma Ruths Hot Tamales image

Once thought to have been taken to the grave with her. My father stumbled across my grandmothers recipe a few years after her passing. Loved by the whole family and all her friends. Enjoy!

Provided by Chef Teer

Categories     Mexican

Time 3h

Yield 6 Dozen, 2 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 lbs ground meat (venison, pork, turkey, chicken, etc.)
2 ounces chili powder
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons pepper
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons cumin
2 teaspoons red cayenne pepper
1 bunch corn husk
1 (4 1/2 lb) bag masa harina flour
1 spool bakers kitchen twine

Steps:

  • 1. Note: 1tsp cayenne for milder tamales. Soak corn husk in water several hours before or even overnight to make them softer to work with.
  • 2. Combine all ingredients in cast iron skillet and cook until meat is done.
  • 3. Follow directions on side of bag to make the corn Masa mix.
  • 4. Lay out 1st corn husk on baking "cookie" sheet. Add masa and spread about 16th of an inch thick.
  • 5. Add 1-2 spoons of meat and roll oblong (weenie style). One end open, the other end folded.
  • 6. Tie the made tamales in bundles of six with 2 lengths of twine cut about 1 foot long.
  • 7. Place all bundles of tamales open end up steam basket pot and cover pot with lid.
  • 8. Steam tamales for 2 hours.
  • 9. Can be frozen or canned. I vacuum seal mine in the bundles of six, freeze and take out as needed. You can Re-heat by steaming, microwaving, or on cookie baking sheet in oven.
  • Yields: approximately 6 dozen.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 3794.5, Fat 43.9, SaturatedFat 6.2, Sodium 3469, Carbohydrate 790.5, Fiber 77.9, Sugar 23.6, Protein 99.8

PORK TAMALES



Pork Tamales image

A little variation here from the traditional, in that this is 100% my own personal recipe for the pork mixture. I also prefer beef broth in the masa as compared to chicken broth. But I think you'll agree these are some darn good tamales.

Provided by Brian Genest

Categories     Tamales

Time P1DT5h55m

Yield 15

Number Of Ingredients 20

15 corn husks, or as needed
2 peppers dried guajillo chile peppers, seeded
1 cup beef broth
1 cup tomato sauce
¼ medium onion, minced
5 cloves garlic, minced
2 peppers chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon ground cloves
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 (4 pound) boneless pork butt (shoulder)
2 cups masa harina
2 tablespoons baking powder
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups beef broth
⅔ cup lard, at room temperature

Steps:

  • Soak corn husks in water for 24 hours prior to cooking, using something heavy to keep them submerged.
  • Prepare pork filling: Place guajillo chile peppers in a dry skillet over medium heat; dry roast until fragrant, 20 to 30 seconds per side. Pour some water over top and simmer until tender, about 2 minutes. Remove chiles from the skillet and transfer to a blender.
  • Add beef broth, tomato sauce, onion, garlic, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, vinegar, cloves, salt, cumin, allspice, and pepper to the blender and process until smooth.
  • Place pork butt in a slow cooker and pour marinade over top. Cook on Low until pork is tender and can be easily pulled apart with a fork, 4 to 5 hours. Shred pork and return to the slow cooker. Mix with the sauce until combined.
  • Combine masa, baking powder, garlic powder, and salt for dough in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment; whisk to combine. Add beef broth and lard and whisk well; the resulting mixture should have an almost fluffy consistency and be relatively tacky.
  • Roll out a corn husk and pat it dry. Spread the dough evenly in the center of the corn husk, leaving room around the edges. Dollop a line of pork filling down the center. Fold the bottom of the husk up, then fold one edge over the filling. Tuck that edge under the filling and dough, and roll toward the other edge to seal around the filling. Fold the top down and tie with kitchen string, wrapping twice to secure. Repeat to make remaining tamales.
  • Place a steamer insert into a large saucepan and fill with water to just below the bottom of the steamer. Bring water to a boil.
  • Place tamales vertically into the steamer basket, with the sealed edges down. Cover the pan and steam for 1 hour. Serve hot.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 411.1 calories, Carbohydrate 15.3 g, Cholesterol 77.9 mg, Fat 31.3 g, Fiber 2.7 g, Protein 18.1 g, SaturatedFat 11.2 g, Sodium 2474.4 mg, Sugar 1.3 g

PORK AND APPLE TAMALES



Pork and Apple Tamales image

Serve this family favorite for all occasions: a quick dinner, brown-bag lunch, hearty snack or even a fun appetizer. -Marie Macy, Fort Collins, Colorado

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h30m

Yield about 3 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 22

43 to 44 dried corn husks
DOUGH:
3 cups masa harina
1-3/4 cups water
1 cup lard or shortening
1 teaspoon salt
FILLING:
1 pound ground pork or beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 garlic clove, minced
1 can (10-3/4 ounces) tomato puree
1 tart medium apple, peeled and chopped
1/2 cup chopped almonds, toasted
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1 cup chicken broth or water
Hot water

Steps:

  • Cover corn husks with cold water; soak overnight. , For dough, combine masa harina and water. Let stand, covered, for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, in another bowl, beat lard and salt until mixture resembles beaten egg whites (about 6 minutes). Add masa harina mixture 2 tablespoons at a time, beating constantly., For filling, cook pork and onion, crumbling meat, in a large skillet over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Drain. Add next 10 ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, 25 minutes. Cool slightly., Drain corn husks and pat dry; tear 7-8 husks to make 36 strips for tying tamales. (To prevent husks from drying out, cover with plastic wrap and a damp towel until ready to use.) On wide end of each remaining husk, spread 2-3 tablespoons dough to within 1/2 in. of side edges; top each with 1-2 tablespoons filling. Fold long sides of husk over filling, overlapping slightly. Fold over narrow end of husk; tie with a strip of husk to secure., Place a large steamer basket in a 6-qt. stockpot over broth; place tamales upright in steamer. Bring to a boil; steam, covered, adding hot water as needed, until dough peels away from husk, about 45 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 380 calories, Fat 28g fat (9g saturated fat), Cholesterol 42mg cholesterol, Sodium 308mg sodium, Carbohydrate 21g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 12g protein.

Tips:

  • To make the tamales more flavorful, use a flavorful broth to cook the pork. You can use chicken broth, beef broth, or even vegetable broth.
  • Be sure to season the pork well with salt, pepper, and cumin before cooking.
  • Use a variety of vegetables in the tamales, such as corn, tomatoes, onions, and peppers.
  • If you are using fresh corn, be sure to remove the kernels from the cob before cooking.
  • To make the tamales more moist, add a little bit of lard or butter to the masa dough.
  • Be sure to wrap the tamales tightly in corn husks before cooking.
  • To prevent the tamales from sticking to the pot, place a layer of corn husks on the bottom of the pot before adding the tamales.
  • Cook the tamales for at least 1 hour, or until the pork is cooked through and the masa dough is firm.
  • Let the tamales cool for a few minutes before unwrapping and serving.

Conclusion:

Hot Heart of Texas Pork Tamales are a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for any occasion. They are easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With a little bit of planning, you can enjoy these tamales any night of the week.

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