Tamales de frijol, or Oaxacan black bean tamales, are a traditional Mexican dish that originated in the southern state of Oaxaca. These tamales are made with a masa dough that is filled with a flavorful black bean mixture and wrapped in corn husks. They are a popular dish for special occasions and are often served with a variety of toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, and crema. This article will provide you with the best recipe for cooking tamales de frijol, helping you to create a delicious and authentic Oaxacan delicacy.
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TAMALES DE FRIJOL (OAXACAN BLACK BEAN TAMALES)
On special occasions, such as saints' days, Alfonso Martinez prepares a special style of black bean tamal traditionally made by Zapotec communities in the Sierra Norte of Oaxaca. A simple, puréed bean filling is carefully folded in a round of masa that's been squished with a tortilla press or flattened out by hand, and this process creates a delicate, layered package that's as beautiful as it is delicious. Mr. Martinez reaches for heirloom Oaxacan beans, though any variety of dried black beans that ends up tender will work well. And even though avocado leaves are traditionally used to sandwich the tamal inside the banana leaf wrapper, he says hoja or yerba santa leaves can also be cut to size to impart their herbal flavor. (Watch Mr. Martinez prepare Oaxacan tamales de frijol.)
Provided by Tejal Rao
Time 5h
Yield About 30 tamales
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, cover the beans with cold water by about 2 inches and soak overnight. The next day, drain the beans and transfer to a large pot. Add the onion, garlic, avocado leaves, salt and enough cold water to cover by 2 inches. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to maintain a simmer. Cook, skimming any foam, until the beans are very tender, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
- Cool for 15 minutes, then set a large strainer over a large bowl and drain. Transfer the beans, onion, garlic and 1 cup cooking liquid to a blender or food processor. Blend, adding more liquid as needed to get the machine going and to form an almost smooth puree. The consistency should be soft and spreadable, but not soupy. Season to taste with salt and cool to room temperature. Discard the avocado leaves and any remaining cooking liquid.
- While the beans cool, prepare for tamales: Heat the oil in a small saucepan until just smoking, then remove from the heat and set aside to cool completely. If you don't have plastic rounds for a tortilla press, cut off the edges of a gallon-sized resealable plastic bag to form two 10-inch squares of plastic. If you don't have a press, get out a heavy flat-bottomed large skillet.
- Heat a banana leaf on a griddle or large flat pan over high heat, turning and pressing flat until pliable and shiny, 15 to 30 seconds. Transfer to a work surface. Repeat with the remaining leaves, stacking them to keep them all warm and soft.
- In a large bowl, tear the masa into smaller chunks then add the salt and gradually add the cooled oil while kneading in. Continue kneading with both hands by punching down the mixture, then squeezing it between your fingers before gathering it into a mass and pushing it back down. Knead until the oil isn't visible and the masa is very smooth and soft.
- Assemble the tamales: Roll a 1/3 cup masa into a ball and flatten between the plastic by hand into a 1-inch-thick disk. Press in a tortilla press or against the counter using a skillet to form a tortilla-thin round (scant 1/8-inch-thick). Peel off the top plastic, keeping the masa on the bottom piece. Spread the bean filling evenly over the masa's entire surface in a thin layer (about 3 tablespoons). Using the plastic, lift the left edge and fold an inch in towards the center, then peel back the plastic and flatten it against the counter. Repeat on the right. Spread filling over the folded edges (about 1 teaspoon per side). Using the plastic, lift up the bottom third and fold it over the center as if folding a letter. Cover with filling (about 1 teaspoon), then use the plastic to lift the top and fold it over to enclose. Center an avocado leaf on top. Place the tamal upside down on a soft banana leaf and place another avocado leaf on top. Trim the leaves to fit if needed. Wrap in the banana leaf, folding in one long side, then the bottom, then the other side and rolling to enclose the end. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
- Fit a steamer or colander into a large, deep pot and add enough water to almost reach its bottom. Stack the tamales flat in the steamer, leaving an empty space in the center. Cover with the reserved remaining banana leaves and then the lid. Bring the water to a boil and steam, replenishing with hot water as needed, until the masa is cooked through, about 1 1/2 hours. To test, unwrap a tamal and cut through the center to make sure there's no raw masa.
- Keep warm in the steamer off the heat until ready to serve. After unwrapping, the avocado leaves should be discarded before eating. The tamales can be cooled completely, then wrapped individually and frozen for up to 6 months. To serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then resteam in the banana leaves or unwrap and pan-fry in oil until hot and crisp.
OAXACAN BLACK-BEAN TAMALES
These tamales from the Mexican region of Oaxaca are full of rich, vibrant flavors.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Cuisine-Inspired Recipes Mexican-Inspired Recipes
Yield Makes 16
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Reconstitute the corn husks.
- In a small saucepan, combine the black beans, avocado leaves, lard, onion, and 3 cups water. Set saucepan over high heat. Bring the liquid to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low. With lid slightly ajar, simmer until the beans become very tender, about 1 1/2 hours. Add additional water as necessary if the beans begin to dry out during the cooking process.
- Remove and discard the avocado leaves from filling. Generously season filling with salt. Remove pan from heat, and set the filling aside to cool.
- Using a potato masher or a large spoon, coarsely mash the filling until it becomes thick enough to easily hold its shape when placed in a spoon.
- Assemble 16 tamales with the tamale batter and the black-bean filling, using large husks for wrappers and ties, and reserving smaller ones to line the steamer basket and cover the tamales.
- Prepare the steamer, and steam the tamales. Let the tamales stand until the batter has firmed. Serve the tamales warm with the chopped-tomato-and-serrano salsa.
BEAN TAMALES (TAMELES DE FRIJOLES)
Homemade ancho pepper chile sauce is mixed with both the masa and the refried beans which gives these authentic Mexican bean tamales their unique flavor. [Recipe originally submitted to Allrecipes.com.mx]
Provided by María Eugenia
Categories World Cuisine Recipes Latin American Mexican
Time 4h40m
Yield 24
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Place corn husks in a bowl, cover with boiling water, and soak for a few hours. Drain, place on a work surface, and cover with a clean, damp towel.
- Place ancho chiles in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook until soft, about 10 minutes. Drain.
- Combine ancho chiles, garlic, cumin, salt, pepper, and a little water in a blender; blend salsa until smooth. Strain through a sieve.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 the salsa and cook, 3 to 5 minutes. Add refried beans, stir well, and cook until most of the liquid has evaporated, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
- Beat lard with an electric mixer until fluffy. Add masa and beat until well combined. Add remaining salsa and continue beating until dough has a uniform red color.
- Select 1 wide corn husk. Spread about 2 tablespoons masa mixture onto the the corn husk, filling it up to 2 inches from the bottom and 1/4 inch from the top. Place 1 tablespoon of beans and 1 jalapeno slice in the center of the masa mixture. Fold sides of husk together, one over the other. Fold the bottom of the husk over the seam of the 2 folded sides. Repeat with remaining husks.
- Place a steamer insert into a saucepan and fill with water to just below the bottom of the steamer. Bring water to a boil. Add tamales with the open side up and cook until filling is heated through and separates from the husk, about 1 hour. Let tamales rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 164.6 calories, Carbohydrate 16.5 g, Cholesterol 9.7 mg, Fat 10.1 g, Fiber 2.8 g, Protein 2.6 g, SaturatedFat 3.5 g, Sodium 191.4 mg, Sugar 0.3 g
Tips:
- Choose dried beans of good quality to ensure the best flavor and texture in your tamales.
- Soak the beans overnight or for at least 8 hours to soften them before cooking.
- Rinse the beans thoroughly before cooking to remove any impurities.
- Use a large pot to cook the beans, as they will expand during cooking.
- Add aromatics such as garlic, onion, and bay leaves to the cooking water to enhance the flavor of the beans.
- Season the beans with salt, pepper, and other spices to taste.
- Once the beans are cooked, mash them until they reach the desired consistency.
- Spread a thin layer of masa on each corn husk, leaving enough space at the top to fold over the filling.
- Place a spoonful of the bean filling in the center of the masa.
- Fold the corn husk over the filling, starting from the bottom and working your way up.
- Secure the tamales with a piece of string or a strip of corn husk.
- Steam the tamales in a steamer or tamale pot for about 1 hour, or until the masa is cooked through.
- Let the tamales cool slightly before unwrapping and serving.
Conclusion:
These Oaxacan Black Bean Tamales are a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of savory black beans, aromatic spices, and soft masa makes for a truly unforgettable experience. With careful preparation and attention to detail, you can create tamales that are both visually appealing and incredibly flavorful - a true testament to the rich culinary traditions of Oaxaca. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and embark on this culinary journey to create a masterpiece that will surely impress your loved ones.
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