Mouthwatering Strawberry Tamales for Your Next Brunch
In a world filled with stress and chaos, it’s important to indulge in the little things that bring us joy. For me, cooking is one such activity. As a chef specializing in Brazilian and American cuisine, I am always on the lookout for unique and delicious recipes to try out in my kitchen. Recently, I came across an unusual yet delightful recipe that I knew I had to share with you all – Tamales De Fresa or Strawberry Tamales.
These sweet tamales are the perfect fusion of Mexican and American flavors, making them an ideal addition to any dessert spread. The combination of masa harina, fresh strawberries, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract creates an irresistible flavor profile that will leave you wanting more.
Making these tamales is not only a fun activity to do with friends and family but also a skill-building experience. Whether you are a seasoned cook or someone with minimal experience in the kitchen, this recipe is easy enough for anyone to follow.
I hope you give these Tamales De Fresa a try and enjoy them as much as I do. Trust me; they will be a new favorite in your dessert repertoire! So grab some corn husks, roll up your sleeves and let’s get started on this mouth-watering dessert journey.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you in the mood for something sweet and unique? Look no further than Tamales De Fresa – also known as Strawberry Tamales! This dish is unlike any other, blending the classic flavors of masa harina with the sweet and juicy taste of fresh strawberries. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never want to go back to regular tamales.
Not only is the flavor of this recipe one-of-a-kind, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can serve these tamales as a dessert or as a savory treat depending on your preferences. The options are endless!
What sets this recipe apart from others is how easy it is to make. I promise you don’t need any professional culinary skills to make these delicious tamales. With a simple list of ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, anyone can create this mouth-watering dish in no time.
Plus, this recipe is perfect for special occasions or just a casual dinner at home. Who doesn’t love a good ol’ fashioned tamale night? So why not take it up a notch and try something new with these strawberry tamales? Trust me, you won’t regret it.
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you need to make the delicious Tamales De Fresa – Strawberry Tamales recipe:
- 2 cups of masa harina (corn dough)
- 1 ½ tsp of baking powder
- 1 cup of vegetable shortening
- 4 cups of warm water
- 1 tsp of salt
- ½ tsp of vanilla extract
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoon of butter, softened
- 1 cup of strawberry puree (made from chopped fresh strawberries)
- 2 tbsp of fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp of maple syrup or molasses
- Corn husks
Note: Be sure to use fresh strawberries for the best taste. You can use vegan shortening or skip it entirely to make vegan tamales.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s get down to business and make these delicious strawberry tamales!
Step 1: Soften the corn husks
First, take the dried corn husks and put them in a large bowl with hot water. Let them soften for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the masa
In a large mixing bowl, add 2 cups of masa harina and 1 1/2 cups of water. Mix well until all of the dry ingredients are incorporated. In a separate bowl, mix together 1 cup of fresh strawberry puree, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract. Now, add this mixture to the masa dough and mix until everything is evenly combined.
Step 3: Add extras (optional)
If you’d like, you can add some extras to your tamales. My personal favorite is a cream cheese filling. To make this, simply mix together 8 oz of cream cheese with 2 tablespoons of maple syrup or molasses.
Step 4: Assemble the tamales
Take one softened corn husk and spread around 1/4 – 1/3 cup of masa dough on it (this will depend on the size of your husk). If you’re using a filling, place about 1 tablespoon in the middle of the dough. Fold one side of the corn husk towards the middle and then fold in the other side to wrap it up nicely. You can then either fold up one end or tie it with spare strips of corn husk.
Step 5: Steam
Place all of your finished tamales into a steamer basket with open ends facing up. Fill the bottom pot with water and steam for about an hour (or until fully cooked).
Once finished cooking, let your tamales rest for a few minutes before unwrapping them. Serve with any toppings or sides you’d like, but I personally recommend a dollop of sour cream and some fresh chopped strawberries on top. Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to making substitutions and variations for this strawberry tamale recipe, there are a few options to consider.
Firstly, instead of using fresh strawberries, you could try using frozen berries that have been defrosted. While the texture may be slightly different, it will still provide a delicious fruity flavor. You could also try using other berries such as raspberries or blueberries.
For those looking to make this recipe vegan-friendly, consider using coconut oil or vegetable shortening in place of the butter. Additionally, swapping out the sour cream for a vegan alternative like almond or soy-based yogurt can do the trick.
If you’re looking to add a little more sweetness to your tamales de fresa, try drizzling them with maple syrup or molasses. Alternatively, you could also add in some cream cheese for a tangy twist.
When it comes to serving and pairing these sweet tamales, I recommend enjoying them on dessert plates topped with a dollop of whipped cream and additional fresh strawberries chopped on top.
Remember that tamales are versatile and are perfect for any occasion! Don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen with substitutions and variations that suit your taste buds best.
Serving and Pairing
There is something undeniably satisfying about devouring a sweet tamale. Strawberry tamales are a perfect dessert for those who can’t handle an extremely sweet overload. The fresh, tangy strawberries balance out the sweetness of the sugar and make them less decadent, but they’re still quite delicious.
These scrumptious tamales can be enjoyed on their own or accompanied by sour cream, whipped cream or even vanilla ice cream. Trust me; it’s an excellent match! Serve them warm and steamy with a scoop of cold ice cream, and your taste buds will thank you.
For more variations, try serving your tamales de fresa with some fresh-cut strawberries sprinkled on top or some whip cream drizzled over them. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to add a bit of zing to these tamales, try topping them off with some freshly squeezed lemon juice.
For pairing, I recommend my famous tropical fruit salad in combination with the strawberry tamales. The refreshing flavors of the papaya, mangoes, pineapples, cantaloupe or honeydew melon seamlessly complement the citrus tang of the strawberry filling.
Serve these delicious creations definitely after any meal as the dessert or gift them to family and friends with Mexican cuisine. You will for sure have a big smile on your face after serving it!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As much as I love making these fresa strawberry tamales fresh, sometimes you just need to prepare ahead of time. Lucky for you, this recipe is perfect for that.
The good news is, you can make the tamales ahead of time and store them for later. Once the tamales are assembled, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you don’t plan on eating them within the next few days, they can even be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating is simple too, there are two ways to do it. You can either use a steamer – simply steam them over boiling water for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Or microwave them individually in a damp paper towel for about one minute.
If you plan on making large batches of this delicious dessert, there’s no need to worry about flavor loss or quality degradation when storing or reheating. These tasty treats retain their moisture and texture perfectly even after reheating – so they taste just as amazing as the day they were made.
So go ahead, make these fresa strawberry tamales in advance and save yourself some time. Whether you’re preparing for a party or getting ready for a busy week ahead, these make-ahead tips will keep your strawberry tamales tasting fresh and delightful whenever you decide to savor them again.
Tips for Perfect Results
The key to making perfect Strawberry Tamales is to ensure that the tamale dough is the right consistency, and the filling is delicious. Here are some tips to help you achieve a stylish and tasty result.
1. Achieving Perfect Tamale Dough Consistency
Making Strawberry Tamales calls for tamale dough or masa that is different from regular dough. It should be moist enough to spread effortlessly on corn husks when rolling tamales. To this end, add vegetable shortening during dough preparation, together with enough water or vegetable broth to make the masa soft and easily spreadable. Ensure not to make the mistake of creating a too-dry masa, which will break apart during steaming or too wet that it sticks to husks.
2. Make a Flavorful Filling
The filling adds flavor and texture variety and helps keep your Strawberry Tamales juicy while steaming. Start by making a strawberry sauce with fresh strawberries chopped in small pieces mixed with granulated sugar, maple syrup, or molasses, fresh lemon juice or lime juice, vanilla extract, and butter for extra richness. If you want creamier strawberry tamales, consider adding cream cheese or sour cream in the filling.
3. Assemble Tamales Correctly
Make sure you place the mixture of masa harina and strawberry puree at the center of the corn husk before folding over to get uniformity so that each tamale has equal amounts of masa harina and filling. Overfilling your tamales means they will fall apart during cooking when exposed to high heat, causing them to tear or lose shape.
4. Steam the Tamales Appropriate
Steaming tamales right is very vital in making sure they cook well without getting either dry or mushy. Begin by placing tamales on a tray covered with wax paper or gently fold up into thirds then put them into a steamer basket over boiling water. Before serving, remove the tamales from the heat, and let them sit for ten minutes to allow the dough to solidify.
By following these tips, you’ll be making perfect Strawberry Tamales every time.
FAQ
Now that you have all the details about our delicious Tamales De Fresa recipe, it’s time to move on to a section that will answer any questions you may still have. Let’s take a look at some frequently asked questions to help make your cooking experience a success.
What are strawberry tamales made of?
Prepare yourself for a delicious, sweet experience with these strawberry-filled tamales. Originating in Mexico, sweet tamales are a popular treat that are enjoyed by many. As the tamales steam, their enticing fragrance will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist. For the perfect pairing, enjoy these tamales with a warm mug of Mexican hot chocolate or atole.
What is the secret to moist tamales?
One important aspect of achieving delectably juicy and well-seasoned tamales is to be generous with the addition of fat. The standard ingredient in Mexico for this purpose is lard, but it can be substituted with either shortening or softened butter for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Do you eat strawberry tamales hot or cold?
Once the tamales are fully cooked, take them out of the pot and let them sit undisturbed for roughly 10 minutes. This momentary delay in serving time will permit the dough to set and solidify. Savor these delightful strawberry tamales when they are still lukewarm to enjoy a mouthwatering and satisfying treat or snack.
What are real Mexican tamales made of?
Tamales, a beloved Mexican dish, consist of a savory mixture of dough, meat or beans and cheese, all delicately wrapped in either corn husks or banana leaves. Though cooked while still wrapped, tamales are not eaten with their casings, offering a unique culinary experience. Enhance your tamale experience by pairing them with some tangy pico de gallo and a delectable side of guacamole and rice.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, there’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade tamales de fresa. These delicious treats are perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to dinner parties with friends. Using fresh strawberries and other high-quality ingredients will enhance the flavor profile of your tamales and make them truly stand out.
I highly recommend giving this recipe a try, whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen. And don’t be afraid to get creative with your substitutions and variations – there’s no wrong way to make tamales de fresa!
So what are you waiting for? Get ready to experience the sweet, satisfying taste of these amazing tamales. And if you happen to have any leftovers, they’re sure to make a tasty snack or dessert for later on.
Thank you for reading my recipe article on tamales de fresa. I hope that you’ll give this recipe a try and that it brings some joy and deliciousness into your life. Let me know how your strawberry tamales turn out in the comments below!
Tamales De Fresa - Strawberry Tamales Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 dry corn husks
Sweet Pink Tamale Dough
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon maple syrup or 1/2 tablespoon molasses
- 3/4 cup strained strawberry puree
- 1 cup white corn masa harina
- 2 tablespoons softened butter
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Filling
- 1 (8 ounce) can strawberry pie filling or (8 ounce) can fresh sliced strawberries
Cream Sauce
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Topping
- 2 cups fresh strawberries
Instructions
- Place corn husks in a large bowl with warm water. If the husks float up, place a smaller bowl of water on top of them to hold them down in the water.
- Let soak at least 30 minutes.
- Tamale dough: Bring water, sugar, syrup and puree to boil over medium high heat.
- Reduce heat; stir in Masa Harina.
- Simmer 10 minutes.
- Stir in remaining ingredients.
- Mixture should roll into a ball without sticking to your fingers.
- Spread pink dough onto husks, which have been softened in hot water.
- Leave a margin at each side.
- Place 1 to 2 teaspoons of strawberry pie filling in a line through middle of dough.
- Fold in both sides and press seam together, making sure strawberry filling stays completely inside the dough.
- Leave ends open.
- Roll husk and tie ends tightly.
- Steam for 45 minutes to 1 1/2 hours depending on thickness.
- Tamales will come easily off the husk and have a spongy texture when cooked.
- Cream Sauce: Whip cream.
- Slowly add sour cream and continue whipping until stiff peak stage.
- Add remaining ingredients. Chill until ready to serve.
- When ready to serve, dollop cream sauce on cooled sweet tamales.
- Top with strawberries.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
Dora
Dora is a chef well-versed in Brazilian and American cuisine. After a hard day's work in the kitchen of her restaurant, she finds the time to jot down recipes for her food blog. Her recipes are sure to delight foodies everywhere, as she strives to make each one unique and enjoyable to read.