Randy Chandler
Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish that is typically made with corn dough, broth, lard, and salt, and filled with a variety of savory meats, beans, cheeses, or vegetables. The caloric content of tamales varies depending on the fillings and portion size, with restaurant tamales tending to be higher in calories. A cheese tamale from a restaurant, weighing around 179 grams, contains approximately 387 calories according to the USDA.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories in one cheese tamale | 387 |
| Weight of one cheese tamale | 179 grams |
| Weight of two cheese tamales | 351 grams |
| Calories in two cheese tamales | 774 |
| Calories in tablespoon of lard | 115 |
| Calories in two tablespoons of flour | 56 |
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What You'll Learn
A restaurant cheese tamale contains 387 calories
The calorie count of tamales varies depending on the fillings and portion size. For example, each tablespoon of lard adds 115 calories, and the corn masa provides fiber while the filling is usually a rich source of animal-based protein.
When it comes to homemade tamales, you have more control over the calories and ingredients. A typical tamale weighs around 140 grams, and the number of calories can vary based on the filling. For instance, common filling ingredients such as meat broth, flour, chili sauce, and cumin contribute varying amounts of calories to the overall dish.
Restaurant tamales tend to have larger portions, which can result in higher calorie counts compared to homemade tamales. It is recommended to follow a balanced diet to support overall health and enjoy cultural foods in moderation during special occasions.
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Calories vary based on filling and portion size
The calorie count of Mexican cheese tamales varies depending on the filling and portion size. A typical tamale weighs 140 grams or about 5 ounces, but restaurant portions tend to be larger. For example, a cheese tamale from a restaurant usually weighs around 179 grams and contains about 387 calories.
Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish made with corn masa, fillings, and various ingredients wrapped and steamed in corn husks or banana leaves. The calorie count of tamales can vary depending on the amount of filling and masa wrapped inside each corn husk. Different recipes call for varying ratios of lard to masa, and each tablespoon of lard adds 115 calories.
The filling of a tamale can also significantly impact its calorie count. Common tamale fillings include savory meats, beans, cheeses, and vegetables, with over 350 varieties to choose from. For example, a pork tamale weighing 140 grams will have a different calorie count than a cheese tamale of the same weight due to the difference in fillings.
When making tamales at home, you can control the calories and ingredients used. The dough can be made lighter by adding a couple of teaspoons of baking powder, which has five calories per teaspoon. The filling can be made with meat, vegetables, or other ingredients, each contributing differently to the overall calorie count.
In summary, the calories in Mexican cheese tamales vary based on the filling and portion size. Restaurant tamales tend to be larger and higher in calories, while homemade tamales allow for more control over the ingredients and their calorie content.
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Lard, broth, chilli sauce and cumin all add calories
The calorie count of Mexican cheese tamales varies depending on the fillings and portion size. A cheese tamale from a restaurant typically weighs 179 grams and contains 387 calories. However, two tamales weighing 351 grams will contain more calories.
Lard, broth, chilli sauce, and cumin all contribute to the overall calorie count of Mexican cheese tamales. The masa, or dough, of a traditional tamale is made with corn dough, broth, lard, and salt. The lard adds a significant amount of calories, with each tablespoon contributing 115 calories. The amount of lard used in the masa can vary, with some recipes calling for a ratio of 2 pounds of lard to 5 pounds of masa.
The broth used in the masa and filling also contributes to the calorie count. Broth has around 2 calories per ounce, so using several cups of broth will increase the overall calorie count of the tamales.
Chilli sauce is another ingredient that can add calories to Mexican cheese tamales. The sauce is typically used in the filling and has around 5 calories per tablespoon. Cumin is another spice used in the filling and has 23 calories per tablespoon. These spices not only enhance the flavour of the tamales but also contribute to their overall calorie content.
While it is important to be mindful of calorie intake, it is also essential to enjoy cultural foods and traditions. Tamales are a beloved part of Latino culture, often shared and prepared with family and friends during special occasions and holidays. So, while being conscious of the calorie contributions of ingredients like lard, broth, chilli sauce, and cumin, it is also worthwhile to savour and celebrate this delicious cultural dish.
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A balanced diet supports health and can ward off disease
A balanced diet is key to maintaining good health and can even help prevent diseases. Calories are a measure of the energy supplied by food, and while the number of calories required varies depending on age, sex, and physical activity level, a balanced diet ensures the body receives the right nutrients to function effectively. For instance, the average person needs about 2,000 calories per day to maintain their weight, but this can differ based on individual factors.
A balanced diet typically includes fruits, vegetables, dairy, grains, and protein. Consuming a variety of fresh, whole foods while limiting processed foods is essential. For example, fruits are high in natural sugar but also provide fiber and essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Similarly, dairy products like cheese and yogurt are good sources of protein and calcium for bone health. When choosing dairy, opt for lower-fat and lower-sugar options.
Certain dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet, have been shown to reduce disease risk. This diet is typically higher in plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, seeds, and nuts, while being lower in animal-based foods, especially fatty and processed meats. The DASH diet, which focuses on reducing sodium intake, has been found to significantly lower blood pressure, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
In addition to these diets, the Nordic diet has demonstrated improvements in blood lipid profiles, inflammation, and blood pressure. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet and its variations, such as the DASH-Sodium study, have also shown positive results in reducing blood pressure and the risk of associated diseases. These diets emphasize the importance of a balanced and nutritious approach to eating, which can help maintain overall health and reduce the risk of various diseases.
While tamales can be a delicious part of cultural traditions, they can vary in calorie count depending on the filling and portion size. A typical tamale weighs around 140 grams, and the calories can differ based on the ingredients used. For example, a cheese tamale from a restaurant weighing 179 grams can contain about 387 calories. The corn masa provides fiber, and the filling is usually a rich source of animal-based protein. While it's important to be mindful of calorie intake, it's also essential to enjoy cultural foods without obsessing over every calorie, as a balanced approach to nutrition supports overall health and helps ward off diseases.
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Homemade tamales can be lower in calories
The calorie count of a tamale depends on its fillings and portion size. A cheese tamale from a restaurant, weighing 179 grams, contains 387 calories. The calorie count may vary based on the amount of filling and masa wrapped inside each corn husk. Homemade tamales can be lower in calories, as you have more control over the ingredients and their quantities.
When making tamales at home, you can choose healthier alternatives to some ingredients to reduce the calorie count. For example, you can use vegetable oils instead of lard. Each tablespoon of lard adds 115 calories to the dish. Broth has only around 2 calories per ounce, so you can be generous with it. Spices like cumin are also low in calories, with a tablespoon containing only 23 calories.
You can also play around with the fillings to make lower-calorie tamales. While traditional tamales contain meat, you can opt for vegetarian fillings like beans, cheese, or vegetables. A pork tamale weighing 140 grams contains 320 calories. However, the calorie count of a cheese filling may be similar or higher, depending on the amount of cheese used.
The cooking method can also affect the calorie count. Traditional tamales are steamed, which is a healthier alternative to frying. You can also experiment with the ratio of lard to masa to find a balance between taste and calorie count.
While it is important to be mindful of your food choices and maintain a balanced diet, it is also essential to enjoy cultural foods in moderation. Tamales are a traditional Latino dish, often prepared during the winter holidays in Mexico and the southern United States. They are meant to be savored with friends and family, so feel free to indulge in this delicious treat on special occasions without worrying too much about the calories.
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Frequently asked questions
Two Mexican cheese tamales contain around 774 calories. This is based on a serving size of two tamales weighing 351g.
The calorie count of a tamale depends on the amount of filling and masa inside each corn husk. The type of filling also affects the calorie count. For example, a cheese tamale from a restaurant contains 387 calories, while a pork tamale of the same size contains more calories.
A typical tamale weighs around 140 grams or about 5 ounces.
Homemade tamales tend to be healthier than restaurant tamales as you can control the ingredients and calories. Restaurant food generally tends to be higher in calories.
Mexican cheese tamales typically consist of corn dough, broth, lard, salt, and cheese. They are wrapped and steamed in corn husks or banana leaves.
