Chorizo and Potato Tamales
Executive chef Jason Strotheide
Michigan State University
East Lansing, Mich.
If your Cinco de Mayo spread wouldn’t be complete without homemade tamales, try this authentic yet easy-to-execute recipe. It was developed in the kitchens of Michigan State University, and MSU executive chef Jason Strotheide modified it for production to use at events. This plated presentation is designed for a sit-down meal, but the tamales work equally well on a buffet.
Ingredients
Dough
8 ounces lard
2 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. kosher salt
3 cups masa harina (corn tortilla flour)
3 cups chicken stock
1½ cups potato flakes or instant mashed potatoes
Filling
3 cups yellow potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-in. cubes
3 cups chorizo
1½ cups chopped yellow onions
1 tsp. dried oregano
Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
30 corn husks for tamales, soaked for 1 hr. in water
Steps
- Prepare dough: In mixing bowl, combine lard, baking powder and salt. With electric mixer, beat a medium-high speed until whipped, about 1 minute. Add masa, one quarter at a time, beating after each addition until thoroughly incorporated.
- Add chicken stock; continue beating until dough is light. Beat in potato flakes until incorporated. Dough should be soft and spreadable. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate 1 hour.
- Prepare filling: In medium saucepan, combine potato cubes and enough salted water to cover; bring to a boil. Cook potatoes until tender, 5 to 7 minutes; drain.
- Meanwhile, remove tamale dough from refrigerator and rewhip to return to soft texture. In heavy skillet over medium heat, cook chorizo with onions about 5 minutes, stirring to break up chorizo. Stir in cubed potatoes, oregano and salt and pepper to taste.
- For tamales, spoon roughly ¼ cup of masa dough on each soaked corn husk. Spread dough in thin later; spoon 3 tablespoons chorizo-potato mixture on top. To seal, take both ends of corn husk and roll together so masa dough covers chorizo filling. Arrange on sheet pan, folded-side down. Repeat with remaining tamales.
- Place tamales in steamer and steam for 45 minutes until dough is tender and tamales are heated through. To serve, top with salsa, relish or other condiments. Serve immediately.
Photo courtesy of Potatoes USA
Tips
Tamales can be cooled and frozen up to 6 weeks in advance.