Kamil Perry
Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish that is often served during celebrations and holidays. They are made by filling corn dough (masa) with various ingredients, such as meat, vegetables, or cheese, and steaming them in corn husks or banana leaves. While there are many different types of tamales, this paragraph will focus on the question of whether people put cheese in tamales and explore the different types of cheese that can be used.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tamale fillings | Cheese, salsa, chicken salad, barbecue pork, leftover roast chicken, poblano chiles, jalapeño peppers, tomatillo sauce, chicken, vegie broth, herb, corn, basil |
| Types of cheese used in tamales | Monterey Jack, Oaxaca, Chihuahua, Mozzarella, Muenster, Manchego, Queso Fresco, Cream Cheese |
| Tamale cooking methods | Steaming, pressure cooking |
| Tamale cooking time | 15 minutes to 2 hours |
| Tamale freezing time | Up to 4 months |
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What You'll Learn
Tamales can be frozen and reheated
Tamales are a beloved dish with a rich cultural history, known for their delicious flavour and versatility. One of the best things about tamales is that they freeze exceptionally well, making them a perfect addition to any meal prep routine. Whether you're a busy professional or just love having ready-to-eat meals on hand, learning how to properly freeze and reheat can save you time and ensure you always have a delicious meal ready to go.
Tamales, whether they contain meat, cheese, or vegetables, can be frozen. To freeze tamales, wrap each tamale individually in plastic wrap or aluminium foil to protect them from freezer burn and allow for individual defrosting. Then, place the wrapped tamales in a resealable freezer bag, label it with the date, and squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. Finally, lay the bag flat in the freezer. Once frozen, you can stack the bags. Properly stored, tamales can last in the freezer for up to four to eight months without significant loss of flavour or texture.
There are several ways to reheat frozen tamales. One of the quickest methods is to use a microwave. To do this, leave the tamale wrapped in a damp paper towel and microwave on medium to high power for 2 to 3 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check to make sure it's heated thoroughly, and if not, continue in 30-second increments. Microwaving can sometimes alter the texture of the masa dough, so be cautious.
Another option is to reheat tamales in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tamales on a baking sheet, wrap them in aluminium foil, and heat for about 15 to 20 minutes. Using an oven can give a slightly crisp exterior while keeping the inside moist.
You can also reheat tamales by steaming them, which helps retain their moisture and texture. Set up a steamer by adding water to the bottom pot and bringing it to a simmer. Place the frozen tamales in the steamer basket, ensuring they're not touching the water. Cover with a lid and steam for 15 to 30 minutes, or until they're heated through. For larger tamales or a larger batch, you may need to add a few extra minutes.
Lastly, you can reheat tamales in a skillet, which can add a bit of char and crispiness to the exterior. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil if desired. Place the tamales in the skillet, cover with a lid, and heat for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until thoroughly heated.
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Tamale fillings can be customised
The process of making tamales can be labour-intensive, but it is a celebration in itself for many Mexican families. The customisability of tamale fillings means that cooks can get creative with their recipes, experimenting with different types of cheese and other ingredients such as salsa, chicken salad, barbecue pork, or leftover roast chicken.
Cheese tamales, in particular, are a great option for beginners as the filling only requires salsa and grated cheese. The corn masa or dough is also simple to make, and once these two elements are prepared, it's just a matter of assembling and steaming the tamales. Tamales can be steamed in a pot or pressure cooker, and they can also be frozen for up to four to six months.
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Tamales are a celebratory food
Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish that can be filled with a variety of ingredients, including cheese. Cheese tamales are a great option for beginners, as the filling only requires salsa and grated cheese, and the corn masa or dough is surprisingly simple to make. Once you master the basic recipe, you can experiment with different types of cheese and add-ins. For example, you can use Oaxaca or Chihuahua cheese, which are traditional in Mexico, or substitute with Monterey Jack or Muenster. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try using cream cheese or mozzarella.
Cheese tamales are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or as a grab-and-go snack. They can be reheated quickly in the microwave or oven and are a delicious way to celebrate any special occasion. Whether you're making them for a holiday gathering or a family get-together, tamales are a fun and flavorful dish that brings people together.
In addition to their taste and versatility, tamales are also convenient as they can be made ahead of time and frozen for up to four to six months. This makes them an excellent choice for busy hosts who want to focus on enjoying the celebration rather than spending all their time in the kitchen. Whether served as an appetizer or the main event, tamales are a festive dish that is sure to impress.
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Tamales can be cooked in a pressure cooker
Tamales are a tasty treat, and they can be cooked in a pressure cooker! This method is a lot faster than traditional steaming, which can take over an hour. With a pressure cooker, you can have delicious tamales in as little as 15 minutes of cooking time. Plus, it's a fun activity to do with friends—you can even make it a tamale-making party!
To cook tamales in a pressure cooker, start by preparing your corn husks. Soak them in hot water for around 30 minutes, then shake off any excess water and lay them out to dry. You can also use banana leaves, which you should cut into rectangles and pat dry. Next, it's time to make the filling. For cheese tamales, a popular option is to use salsa and grated cheese, but you can also get creative with ingredients like Jalapeño peppers, mozzarella, or cream cheese. Just remember that some cheeses, like fresh mozzarella, may have too much moisture and affect the texture of your tamales.
Once your filling is ready, spread an even layer of masa (corn dough) on the corn husks or banana leaves. Place your filling in the center, then carefully fold and secure the package. You can use kitchen twine or strips of the corn husk or banana leaf to tie your tamales closed. Now you're ready to cook! Add water to the pressure cooker, along with a steamer basket or rack, and place your tamales standing upright, open-side up. Make sure they're not too tightly packed, as this can affect cooking.
Different pressure cookers may have specific instructions, but generally, you'll want to cook your tamales for around 15 to 25 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally, then open the lid and enjoy your delicious, steaming-hot tamales! You can serve them with cilantro, salsa, or your favorite toppings. Remember, tamales freeze well, so you can always make a big batch and enjoy them later.
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Tamales can be made with different types of cheese
Tamales are a popular Mexican dish, often served during celebrations and holidays. They are made by filling corn dough (masa) with various ingredients, wrapping the dough in corn husks or banana leaves, and steaming the package. Tamale fillings can vary, but one popular option is cheese.
Cheese tamales are a great option for beginners as the filling only requires salsa and grated cheese. The type of cheese used can vary, with some recipes calling for Monterey Jack, Oaxaca, or Chihuahua cheese. These cheeses can be hard to find outside of Mexico, so substitutes such as mozzarella, Muenster, or cream cheese can be used instead. Other recipes suggest using a combination of cheeses, such as queso fresco and manchego, or Monterey Jack and cream cheese.
In addition to the cheese, other ingredients are often added to the filling to enhance the flavour. These can include tomatillo sauce, poblano chiles, jalapeños, or various herbs and spices. The process of making tamales can be time-consuming, but it is a fun activity for families and friends to do together. Once assembled, the tamales are steamed until cooked through, and then served with garnishes or salsa on the side.
Tamales can also be frozen and reheated later. This is a convenient option for those who want to enjoy tamales without spending a lot of time preparing them. Overall, tamales are a delicious and versatile dish that can be made with a variety of cheeses and fillings to suit personal preferences.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can put cheese in tamales. In fact, there are several recipes for cheese tamales, including Jalapeno and Cheese Tamales, and Poblano and Cheese Tamales.
You can use Oaxaca, Monterey Jack, Muenster, or Mozzarella cheese in your tamales.
Aside from the cheese, you will need corn husks, masa or dough, and fillings of your choice. Common fillings include salsa, scallions, and tomatillo sauce.
First, soak the corn husks in hot water for 30 minutes to an hour. Next, spread the masa or dough onto the corn husks, add your cheese and other fillings, and fold the husks inward to enclose the filling. Finally, steam the tamales for about 1.5 hours.
