Andy Montoya
Tamales are a traditional dish with a rich cultural history, particularly in Mexico and the southern United States, where they are often prepared and enjoyed by families during the winter holidays. This delicious treat comes in a variety of savoury and sweet flavours, with over 350 types of fillings, including meats, cheeses, beans, and vegetables. The calorie count of a tamale varies depending on its filling and portion size. For example, a cheese tamale from a restaurant weighing 179 grams contains 387 calories, while a homemade tamale with meat and cheese (6 long) contains approximately 620 calories.
Calories and nutritional information for homemade cheese tamales
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | 387 per tamale (restaurant-made) or 620 per tamale (homemade) |
| Total carbs | 38.1g per tamale |
| Net carbs | 34.4g per tamale |
| Fat | 44.8g per tamale |
| Protein | 17.1g per tamale |
| Typical weight | 140g or 5 ounces |
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What You'll Learn
A 6-inch homemade cheese tamale contains 620 calories
Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish that is also popular in the southern United States. They are made by filling a corn dough, or masa, with various ingredients, such as meat, cheese, beans, or vegetables, and then steaming the mixture in corn husks or banana leaves. The calorie count of a tamale depends on its fillings and portion size. A 6-inch homemade cheese tamale, for example, contains 620 calories.
A typical tamale weighs around 140 grams or about 5 ounces. The calorie count of a cheese tamale from a restaurant of this size is approximately 387 calories, according to the USDA. However, a homemade cheese tamale of a similar size may have a higher calorie count due to variations in ingredients and portion sizes.
The masa in a tamale is typically made with corn dough, broth, lard, and salt. The calorie count of the masa can vary depending on the amount of lard used, as each tablespoon of lard adds 115 calories. Additionally, the fillings used can also significantly impact the calorie count. For example, a tablespoon of cumin adds 23 calories, while a tablespoon of chili sauce adds 5 calories.
When making tamales at home, it is possible to control the calorie count and ingredients used. This allows for a healthier option compared to restaurant tamales, which tend to be higher in calories. However, it is also important to enjoy cultural foods and traditions without worrying too much about calorie counting. Tamales are a beloved part of Latino culture, often shared and prepared with friends and family during the winter holidays.
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Calories depend on fillings and portion size
The calorie count of homemade cheese tamales depends on various factors, primarily the fillings and portion size. A typical tamale weighs around 140 grams or 5 ounces, and the choice of filling can significantly impact the calorie count. For example, a cheese tamale from a restaurant, weighing approximately 179 grams, contains 387 calories according to the USDA.
When it comes to homemade tamales, the fillings can vary from different types of meats, beans, cheeses, and vegetables. Each ingredient contributes differently to the overall calorie count. For instance, each tablespoon of lard adds 115 calories, while meat broth has around 2 calories per ounce. The flour used in the filling adds up to 28 calories per tablespoon. Other ingredients like chili sauce, oregano, cumin, and salt also contribute a few calories each.
The calorie count can also be influenced by the portion size of the tamale. A homemade tamale with meat and cheese, measuring 6 inches in length, can contain approximately 620 calories. This larger portion size contributes to a higher calorie count compared to a smaller tamale.
It's worth noting that the cooking method can also impact the calorie count. Traditional tamales are steamed, which may result in slight variations in the calorie content compared to other cooking methods. Additionally, the use of vegetable oils or lard in the recipe can also affect the overall calorie count.
In summary, the calorie content of homemade cheese tamales varies depending on the specific fillings, portion size, and cooking methods used. The range of ingredients and their quantities in the fillings, as well as the size of the tamale, are key factors in determining the calorie count.
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Restaurant cheese tamales weigh 179g and contain 387 calories
Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish that is enjoyed by many, especially during the winter holidays. The calorie count of a tamale varies depending on its filling and portion size. A typical tamale weighs around 140 grams, but restaurant servings tend to be larger. For example, a cheese tamale from a restaurant typically weighs 179 grams and contains approximately 387 calories, according to the USDA.
Restaurant cheese tamales are usually larger in size and higher in calories compared to homemade tamales. The calorie count of 387 for a 179-gram cheese tamale in a restaurant setting serves as a specific example of how the calorie content can vary based on the type of tamale and the portion size.
The calorie count in tamales is influenced by the ingredients used, particularly the filling and the masa. Traditional tamale fillings are placed on a layer of masa, which is made with corn dough, broth, lard, and salt. The ratio of lard to masa can significantly impact the calorie count, as each tablespoon of lard adds 115 calories.
When making tamales at home, individuals have greater control over the calories and ingredients used. By adjusting the amounts of lard, broth, and other fillings, it is possible to create healthier variations of this traditional dish. However, it is also important to enjoy cultural foods and embrace the traditions associated with them, such as the Mexican tradition of making tamales during the holidays.
In summary, restaurant cheese tamales weighing 179 grams contain approximately 387 calories. This calorie count is influenced by the portion size and the ingredients used, particularly the amount of lard in the masa. While it is important to be mindful of food choices and their nutritional values, tamales are a cultural dish that should be enjoyed, especially during special occasions and gatherings with friends and family.
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Each tablespoon of lard adds 115 calories
The calorie count of homemade cheese tamales depends on the ingredients used and the portion size. A cheese tamale from a restaurant, weighing 179 grams, contains 387 calories, according to the USDA.
When making tamales, the masa is typically prepared with corn dough, broth, lard, and salt. This mixture is then wrapped and steamed in corn husks or banana leaves, with various fillings. Lard is a key ingredient in the masa, contributing significantly to the overall calorie count of the tamale. Each tablespoon of lard adds 115 calories. This is based on the standard recipe, which calls for a ratio of 2 pounds of lard to 5 pounds of masa, as outlined by the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage.
The calorie count of the tamale can be adjusted by altering the amount of lard used. For those seeking a lower-calorie option, vegetable oils can be used as a substitute for lard. This substitution not only reduces the calorie count but also provides a different flavour profile and texture to the tamale.
In addition to the lard, other ingredients in the masa and filling also contribute to the overall calorie count. For example, the corn dough used in the masa adds calories, as does the filling. Common fillings include cheese, meats, beans, and vegetables, each contributing varying amounts of calories.
When preparing homemade cheese tamales, it is important to consider the total number of tablespoons of lard used in the recipe. By multiplying the number of tablespoons by 115, you can calculate the total number of calories contributed by the lard. This value can then be added to the estimated calories from other ingredients to determine the overall calorie count per tamale.
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Corn masa provides fibre, filling provides protein
The calorie count of homemade cheese tamales varies depending on the ingredients used and the portion size. A typical tamale weighs around 140 grams or 5 ounces, and the calories can differ based on the filling and the amount of lard and broth used.
Corn masa, made with corn dough, provides fibre, while the filling of a tamale typically provides protein. The type of filling can vary, with options including meat, beans, cheese, and vegetables. For example, a homemade tamale with meat and cheese that is 6 inches long may contain around 620 calories.
The process of making tamales involves spreading soaked corn husks with masa, adding the filling, wrapping, and steaming. The masa is typically made with corn dough, broth, lard, and salt, and the filling is often a rich source of animal-based protein. The calorie count of the tamale will depend on the specific ingredients used in the masa and the type of filling.
Lard, for instance, adds 115 calories per tablespoon, according to the USDA. Broth has around 2 calories per ounce, and the calorie count can vary depending on the type of broth used. The spices and sauces added to the tamale, such as chilli sauce, cumin, and oregano, also contribute a small number of calories.
When making homemade cheese tamales, it is possible to control the calorie count by adjusting the ingredients and their quantities. This allows for a healthier option compared to restaurant tamales, which tend to be higher in calories due to larger portion sizes and the use of additional fats and oils.
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Frequently asked questions
A homemade cheese tamale contains around 387 calories. This number may vary depending on the filling and portion size.
Cheese tamales are typically filled with corn dough, broth, lard, and salt. They are then wrapped and steamed in corn husks or banana leaves.
Homemade tamales tend to be healthier than restaurant tamales, as you can control the ingredients and calories. Restaurant tamales may also have larger portions.
