Green Corn Tamales

Submitted by Barb G.

"I have been making Green Corn Tamales for years. They are different than regular tamales and are time comsuming but well worth it. It really helps to have another person to help with the wrapping. My DH usually helps, he is good at husking the corn and clean up. I usually make when corn is in season & cheap. My family loves them. The original recipe comes from a restaurant and I made some changes.This makes 12 to 16 good sized tamales."

 

• Ready In: 1hr 50mins
• Ingredients: 10
• Yields: 12-16 Tamales

ingredients

• 24 ears corn, save husks
• 1⁄2 lb cornmeal
• 1⁄2 cup shortening
• 1⁄2 cup unsalted butter
• 3⁄4 cup sugar (I use Splenda) or 3/4 cup Splenda sugar substitute (I use Splenda)
• 1⁄2 cup half-and-half cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 12 -16 ounces cheddar cheese or 12 -16 ounces cheese, of choice cut into 1-ounce pieces
• 1 (24 ounce) can whole green chilies, cut into strips
• aluminum foil, for wraping (12 to 16 pieces 12x12)

directions

1. Cut both ends of the corn, remove husks and save for wraping,(Put husk in water), cut corn kernels off the cob, use a spoon and scrap corn cobs.
2. Place corn kernels in food processor, grind, Add cornmeal and grind together, set aside.
3. Beat shortening and butter with electric mixer until creamy, add sugar, half and half and salt; ADD corn mixture and mix well.
4. FOR each TAMALE, overlap two or more corn husk and spread some of the corn mixture onto the husk.
5. Place one cheese strip and chile strips(I used about 1/2 of a whole chile in each tamale without seeds, seeds makes then HOTER your choice).
6. Top with MORE corn mixture; Bring edges of husk over OR add another husk on top, to cover filling complety, Bring bottom of husk over tamale.
7. Wrap in foil,lay tamale on foil, bring one side over, bring up the bottom, then bring other side over leaving top open.
8. Place tamales upright in a steamer or large kettle with steamer basket in bottom.
9. Steam for 45 to 50 minutes, enjoy.

Reviews

[nellirene_13009465]

I love green corn tamales, but making the tamales takes so much time, particularly if you are working on your own. So, I adapted this recipe as a 'casserole'. I make everything as described, but I chop the chilies into bits and grate the cheese. Then, I line a dish with the corn shucks, pour the corn and chile and cheese mixture over it and layer with more corn shucks. Then, I put aluminum foil over the top. Cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30m min. I remove the foil for 5 more minutes. Folks seem to like it.

 

[FilipinoRose]

This is green corn tamales at it's best! And doesn't cost me an arm and a leg! I was going to order them from a place in Tucson, AZ. forget it!!! My sister wanted me to mail her some but this is the best I can do. The only thing I would change in the recipe would be 1/2 cup sugar and 1&1/2 cup of cornmeal Thank you so much for sharing your recipe. I"ll use it often. Rose

 

[Cynthia G.]

I was using sweet corn so I omit the sugar entirely. These tamales , historicaly are supposed to be savory not sweet. Using hot or medium Hatch green chilis will give it a nice spicy flair.

 

[jamieinjax]

these tamales are fantastic, an so easy. i always thought el coyote in l.a. served the best green corn tamales, but now I do! i have made these 5 times. they are the bomb!

 

[Jethrine DesCartier]

This recipe is wonderful. It's better than the corn tamale that I paid $12 for as an appetizer here in LA. I made a batch, and served them with a little side of mole sauce. Delicious, Barb! Thank you for sharing!