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    How to Make Tamales (Vegan & Step by Step)

    March 31, 2020 By avocadocentric 2 Comments

    tamales on plates
    2 Tamales on a plate

    This post may contain affiliate links. Read the full disclosure here.


    Do you want to learn how to make tamales step by step? And also you'll find out it's a lot easier than you think! In addition, this delicious homemade tamale recipe is vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, healthy, versatile, meal prep, and freezer friendly!

    Jump to Recipe

    You might think making tamales at home is intimidating but it's actually very easy and not as time-consuming. When you make a big batch at one time, you can also just freeze them and reheat them later.

    Before we jump into the recipe, let's learn more about tamales so you can get some tips. You will also learn how you can make them at home step by step.

    tamales on a plate with corn husks

    What is a Tamale

    There are many different versions of tamales in Central and South America and also many countries have their own versions. This recipe is inspired by Mexican tamales so I used corn-based masa (dough). It's wrapped around a vegan filling and then steamed in a corn husk!

    What is masa harina and where to buy it

    Masa harina is a naturally gluten-free flour that is used to make tortillas and tamales. It's also different than cornflour or cornmeal. Since the corn is soaked in lime water, it has a distinctive flavor.

    You can find masa harina in the ethnic aisle at most grocery stores or you can also order it online. Here is the one I get so I can use it to make tamales or corn tortillas.

    2 tamales on a plate

    How to make vegan tamales step by step

    Ingredients

    For the dough

    tamales ingredients

    You only need 4 ingredients to make the dough for these homemade tamales so it's really easy to make. Masa harina, baking powder, oil, and salt are all you need and then add hot water, rest for 30 minutes!

    For wrapping

    tamales corn husks

    We'll be using corn husks to wrap these tamales so this is the kind I get online. You might think it's complicated but it really isn't and I'll show you how.

    For the filling

    Ingredients for the vegan tamale filling

    This is the part that is very customizable so you can use refried black beans, jackfruit or tofu to keep the tamales vegan!

    I used my oil free refried beans recipe for these tamales so you only need canned pinto beans, onion, garlic, chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (or another seasoning of choice) and salt.

    How to make the dough for vegan tamales

    • First, in a medium bowl, you will add the masa harina, baking powder, salt, and hot water and then mix it well.
    • Now, cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let it sit for 30 minutes.
    • ingredients in a bowl
    • water added to the dough
    • dough in the bowl

    How to prep the corn husks

    • In order to prep the corn husks for these homemade tamales, you just need to soak them in hot water for 30 minutes. You can also soak them while the dough is resting.
    tamale corn husks soaking in hot water in a bowl

    How to cook the filling

    • Next, while the dough is resting and the corn husks are soaking, you can prep the oil-free refried beans according to this recipe. This recipe comes together so fast and also very versatile!
    tamale filling refried beans recipe in a pan cooking

    How to assemble the tamales

    • First, take 2 or 3 soaked corn husks and gently tear thin strips lengthwise so you can tie the tamales before cooking. I suggest using skinny corn husks for this so you can use the ones that would be hard to wrap instead of wasting them.
    • tearing corn husk
    • corn husks pieces
    • Next, lay the soaked corn husk on a flat surface and then grab ⅓ cup of the dough, roll it into a disk.
    • Put the dough in the center of the soaked cork husk and then gently press it with your fingers and spread it closer to the edges. But keep the dough 2 inches away from the edges so it can give you room to tie the husks.
    • Now, you can add 2 to 3 tablespoons of filling in the center of the dough.
    • dough in the corn husk
    • pressing the dough with hands
    • dough in the center of the corn husk
    • filling in the dough
    • Now, fold the one side of the corn husk in half so that the dough folds in half over the filling.
    • Next, fold the other side over as well and slightly overlap the first side. Gently press down on the seam to seal the filling inside. Some of the fillings might squish out the ends but I find that turns out fine.
    • folding the dough
    • folding in the dough
    • pressing the dough in
    • filling in the dough in a corn husk

    How to tie tamales

    • Now you are ready to tie the corn husks. Just fold over one side of the corn husk and then the other side as well. While holding the corn husk with one hand (so it doesn't open), twist the end of the husk and then tie it with the strip you made earlier.
    • And then tie the other end the same way by twisting it. Some people also fold the end of the husk and tie it around the tamale in the middle. Either way, as long as it's fully wrapped, it will be fine.
    • twisting the corn husk
    • tying the corn husk
    • twisting the corn husk
    • tying the other side of the corn husk

    When you make a couple of them, you will get used to it so don't worry if they are not perfect (they are not supposed to be perfect!). But they will be delicious!

    I ended up with 10 tamales but you might end up with less or more depending on the filling and the dough. Now, let's cook these delicious homemade tamales!

    10 tamales

    How to cook tamales on the stovetop

    It is very easy to cook the homemade tamales, just add some water in a large pot, add a steam basket and then steam them for 45 minutes to 1 hour.

    tamales in a large pot

    How to cook tamales in the instant pot

    If you have an instant pot, you can cook these vegan tamales in 20 minutes by adding 1 cup of water, inserting the steamer basket, and then cooking on high pressure.

    How to serve tamales

    how to make vegan tamales and serve on a plate

    The best tamales are the fresh ones that just came out of the steamer so you can top them with:

    • VEGAN AVOCADO CREMA (HEALTHY & EASY)
    • BEST HOMEMADE GUACAMOLE RECIPE (EASY & HEALTHY)
    • HOMEMADE SALSA RECIPE (STEP BY STEP)
    • VEGAN SOUR CREAM RECIPE (EASY & SOY-FREE)
    • EASY HOT SAUCE RECIPE

    How to store and freeze homemade tamales

    These tamales will keep in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days in an airtight container, or in the freezer for up to 3 months!

    To freeze them, you can place the tamales (don't remove the husks) into a reusable storage bag and then store it in the freezer.

    How to reheat homemade tamales

    It is very easy to reheat the tamales, so simply steam them for 15 to 20 minutes until warm and not frozen.

    tamale on a fork

    This vegan tamale recipe is a lot easier than you think. It's also:

    • Gluten-free, soy-free and plant-based
    • Meal-prep friendly
    • Freezer friendly
    • Made with pantry staples
    • Filling and satisfying
    • Delicious!

    More Mexican inspired plant-based dishes to try

    • VEGAN BURRITO BOWL (EASY & HEALTHY)
    • JACKFRUIT TACOS (EASY & SOY-FREE)
    • VEGAN BURRITO (EASY & HEALTHY)
    • VEGAN TAQUITOS

    So, did you make this recipe? I’d love for you to leave a comment and rate the recipe. You can also share your photo of the recipe on Pinterest and tag me on Instagram using @avocadocentric or #avocadocentric! xo, Selin

    Print
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    2 Tamales on a plate

    How to Make Tamales (Vegan & Step by Step)

    ★★★★★ 5 from 1 reviews
    • Author: avocadocentric
    • Prep Time: 60 minutes
    • Cook Time: 60 minutes
    • Total Time: 2 hours
    • Yield: 10 tamales 1x
    • Category: Main dish
    • Method: Cook
    • Cuisine: Mexican
    • Diet: Vegan
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Description

    Do you want to learn how to make tamales step by step? And also you'll find out it's a lot easier than you think! This delicious homemade tamale recipe is vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, healthy, versatile, meal prep, and freezer friendly!


    Ingredients

    Scale

    For the dough

    1. 3 cups masa harina 
    2. 1 teaspoon baking powder
    3. ½ teaspoon salt
    4. ¼ cup avocado oil or olive oil
    5. 3 cups hot water

    For the wraping

    1. ½ package dried corn husks
    2. Hot water for soaking

    For the filling

    • 1 small onion (chopped very small)
    • 2 can pinto beans (not rinsed, keep half of the liquid in the cans)
    • 1 small chipotle pepper in adobo sauce + 1 tsp adobo sauce (sub for favorite seasoning)
    • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
    • ½ teaspoon salt 

    Instructions

    Prep the corn husks

    1. Place the dried corn husks in a large bowl. Cover it with hot water for 30 minutes or until soft.

    Make the dough

    1. In the mean time, in a medium bowl, add the masa harina, baking powder, salt, and hot water and mix it well. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let it sit for 30 minutes.

    Make the filling 

    1. While corn husks and dough is resting, make the filling according to this recipe. 

    Assembling

    1. Take 2 or 3 soaked corn husks and gently tear thin strips lengthwise to tie the tamales before cooking. 
    2. Lay the soaked corn husk on a flat surface. Take ⅓ cup of the dough, roll it into a disk. 
    3. Put the dough in the center of the soaked cork husk. Gently press it with your fingers and spread it closer to the edges. Keep the dough 2 inches away from the edges.
    4. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of filling in the center of the dough. Fold the one side of the corn husk in half so that the dough folds in half over the filling. Fold the other side over as well and slightly overlap the first side.
    5. Gently press down on the seam to seal the filling inside. 
    6. Fold over one side of the corn husk and the other side as well. While holding the corn husk with one hand so it doesn't open, twist the end of the husk, tie it with the strip you made earlier. And then tie the other end the same way by twisting it. 
    7. Add some water in a large pot, place a steam basket and add the tamales, cover and steam them for 45 minutes to 1 hour. 
    8. Remove from the steamer and serve immediately. 

    Notes

    Check out the post for detailed instructions and photos on how to assemble the tamales.

    Instant Pot Instructions: Add some water and insert the steamer basket into the instant pot. Pressure cook the tamales for 20 minutes on high pressure. 


    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 10
    • Calories: 251
    • Sugar: 1.2g
    • Sodium: 367.6mg
    • Fat: 7.2g
    • Trans Fat: 0g
    • Carbohydrates: 41.2g
    • Fiber: 6.5g
    • Protein: 7.1g
    • Cholesterol: 0mg

    Keywords: how to make tamales, how to make vegan tamales. vegan tamale recipe, tamale recipe, homemade tamale recipe

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @avocadocentric on Instagram and hashtag it #avocadocentric

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    Comments

    1. Amy

      April 21, 2020 at 10:05 pm

      I used jackfruit instead of beans and the recipe turned out amazing! The dough was a perfect consistency.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • avocadocentric

        April 21, 2020 at 10:10 pm

        So glad to hear it! I love making it with jackfruit too 🙂

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Selin! Welcome to Avocado Centric!

    All recipes are vegan, gluten free, dairy free, easy, healthy & primarily plant based. My goal is to empower and inspire you to cook with plants and create delicious foods for you and your family to enjoy. 

    More about me →


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