Bushra Griffith
Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish that can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They are made by filling corn masa dough with meat, vegetables, or cheese, and wrapping it in a corn husk or banana leaf. Cheese tamales are a delicious vegetarian option that can be served with salsa, avocado, sour cream, or pico de gallo. They can be reheated in the microwave and are perfect as a grab-and-go snack. This paragraph will provide an introduction to the topic of how to serve cheese tamales, including information on their preparation, serving suggestions, and versatility as a meal or snack option.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Serving temperature | Warm |
| Toppings | Salsa, avocado, sour cream, pico de gallo, salsa verde, cilantro, cotija |
| Accompaniments | Rice, beans |
| Reheating instructions | Reheat on low in the microwave |
| Storage | Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 7 days, or freeze for up to 6 months |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
How to assemble cheese tamales
To assemble cheese tamales, you will need corn husks, masa, and cheese. You can also add vegetables or peppers, such as jalapeños, to the filling.
First, soak the corn husks in warm or hot water for at least 2 hours, or until softened. Rinse the corn husks under warm running water to clean off any debris, being careful not to tear them. Use a heavy bowl or plate to weigh the husks down so that they stay submerged. Drain the corn husks, pat them dry, and wipe them clean with paper towels.
Next, prepare the filling by stirring together the cheese and any additional ingredients of your choice. If you are using vegetables or peppers, cut them into thin slices to fit the length of the corn husks.
Now, you can assemble the tamales. Lay a corn husk on a flat surface, with the glossy or smooth side up and the wide end pointing towards you. Spread a thin layer of masa onto the wider bottom half of the husk, leaving a border of about 1/2 inch around the edges. Place the cheese filling in the center of the masa, using about 1 to 3 tablespoons of filling.
Finally, fold the tamale into a neat package. Fold the sides of the corn husk in over the filling, then fold the bottom half up and the top half down. Secure the tamale by tying it with a strip of corn husk or kitchen twine.
Repeat these steps until you have used up all your ingredients. Assembled tamales can be frozen for up to 4 months or steamed immediately and enjoyed!
Cheese Slices: How Many Make a Serving?
You may want to see also
How to cook cheese tamales
Cheese tamales are a delicious and easy-to-make Mexican dish that can be served for breakfast or lunch. They can be reheated quickly in the microwave and are perfect for beginners as the filling only requires salsa and grated cheese. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook cheese tamales:
Ingredients:
- Corn husks
- Lard
- Cream cheese
- Chili con queso
- Masa harina
- Chicken stock
- Cheese (Monterey Jack, Oaxaca, or a combination of queso fresco and manchego/Monterey Jack)
- Salsa (optional)
- Lime juice (optional)
Method:
Soak the corn husks in very hot water for about an hour to soften them. In a large bowl, beat the lard, cream cheese, and chili con queso until light and fluffy. In a separate bowl, mix the masa harina with chicken stock. Combine the two mixtures, gradually adding more masa and chicken stock until it resembles a thick cake batter.
Next, spread a thin layer of masa onto a corn husk. Place your filling (grated cheese and salsa, if using) in the middle of the husk. Fold each side inward, then fold the pointed end in, ensuring the open top is facing upward to prevent the filling from falling out. Repeat this process with the remaining corn husks and filling.
Place the assembled tamales vertically in a steamer pot filled with water, ensuring they stand upright and don't unravel. Cover the pot and steam the tamales for 30-45 minutes over medium-high heat, adjusting the heat if it's steaming too vigorously. Check the tamales after 30 minutes by removing one from its husk. If it comes out clean, they are done; if not, continue steaming for 15-minute intervals until they are ready.
Serve the cheese tamales immediately with salsa, lime juice, avocado, lime slices, tomato salad, chips, or any other desired sides. Enjoy!
Storage:
Allow the tamales to cool completely before storing them in the refrigerator or freezer. They can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for up to four to six months. Reheat them by steaming for 15-20 minutes or warming them in the oven wrapped in foil.
Cheese Tower Wedding: A Guide to Serving Cheesy Goodness
You may want to see also
How to store cheese tamales
Tamales are a delicious treat, but they can be a lot of work, so it's good to know how to store them properly to make the most of your efforts!
Firstly, it's important to note that uncooked tamales with vegan fillings will last longer than those with cheese fillings, so it's best to cook and eat those first. Uncooked tamales can be stored in the fridge overnight, and many people prepare the fillings and assemble the tamales one day, then steam them the next. To store uncooked tamales in the fridge, place them standing up and angled in a container or on a large baking sheet. Cover them with plastic wrap, cling wrap, or aluminium foil, ensuring they are sealed but not squeezed.
Once cooked, tamales should be allowed to cool to room temperature. You can test this by touch. Then, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also wrap individual tamales in foil and freeze them for up to six months. To prevent freezer burn and preserve flavour, ensure no parts of the tamale are exposed. It is also recommended to leave the corn husks on cooked tamales for storing, as this acts as an insulator and prevents flavour mixing.
To reheat frozen tamales, place the foil-wrapped tamale in an oven at 350°F for around 25 minutes, or until warmed through.
The Perfect Olive, Nut, and Cheese Tray
You may want to see also
Explore related products
What cheese to use for tamales
When it comes to choosing a cheese for your tamales, there are several options to consider. The type of cheese you use will depend on your taste preferences, the availability of ingredients, and the desired texture and flavour of your tamales. Here are some popular choices for tamale fillings:
Oaxaca Cheese
Oaxaca cheese is a popular choice for tamales due to its melting properties and accessibility in certain regions. It is often used in tamales with grilled or blistered green chile (rajas). Oaxaca cheese can be found in markets and speciality shops, particularly in border states of Mexico and the US. It is also available under the brand name Don Francisco. However, some people may find that this type of cheese does not fully meet their expectations for an authentic tamale flavour.
Mozzarella
Mozzarella is another cheese option for tamales. Fresh mozzarella may be too moist, so it is recommended to use shredded or grated mozzarella cheese instead. This variety of cheese is commonly used in bean and cheese tamales.
Monterey Jack
Monterey Jack is a type of cheese that is similar in profile to Mexican Manchego. It can be used in combination with other cheeses, such as queso fresco or Manchego, to create a unique flavour profile.
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is another option for tamales, and it can be combined with other cheeses like Velveeta to enhance the flavour and texture.
Spicy Cheese
If you prefer a spicy kick to your tamales, you can opt for a spicy cheese variety. This can be paired with jalapeños or poblano peppers to create a fiery and flavourful tamale filling.
When making cheese tamales, it is important to consider the melting properties of the cheese, as you want a smooth and creamy texture. The type of cheese you choose can also be influenced by the availability of ingredients in your region and your personal taste preferences.
The Art of Serving Fresh Mozzarella
You may want to see also
What to serve with cheese tamales
Cheese tamales are a delicious and easy-to-make meal, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or as a snack. They are also very versatile, as you can fill them with whatever you like. Here are some ideas on what to serve with cheese tamales:
Salsa
Salsa is a classic accompaniment to tamales, and for good reason. It adds a fresh and spicy kick to the dish. You can serve your tamales with red or green salsa, or a combination of both. For an extra special touch, try making your own salsa ranchera, which goes especially well with cheese tamales. You can also mix in some sour cream or crema with your salsa to make a creamy verde sauce.
Rice and Beans
Rice and beans are a perfect side dish to cheese tamales, providing a hearty and filling meal. You can serve them as a side or mix them in with your tamales.
Avocado, Lime, and Tomato Salad
For a refreshing and tasty side, try serving a salad of avocado, lime slices, and tomatoes. This combination will complement the cheese tamales without overwhelming them.
Chips
Chips are a great addition to any meal, and they go especially well with cheese tamales. You can use them to scoop up any extra salsa or as a crunchy side dish.
Drinks
To drink, you could offer something to contrast the spice of the tamales, such as a cool and creamy horchata. Alternatively, a cozy drink like hot chocolate could pair well with the cheese tamales on a cold day.
Jack in the Box's Cheesy Offerings: Cheese Sticks?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Steam the tamales for 30-45 minutes. If you are making a large batch, you may need to steam them in batches.
Remove one tamale and try to pull the husk off. If the husk pulls away cleanly, the tamales are done. If the dough is still sticky or wet, cook for another 5-10 minutes and test again.
Cheese tamales can be served with salsa, sour cream, avocado, pico de gallo, or cilantro.
Cheese tamales can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-7 days. They can also be frozen for up to 6 months.
You can use Oaxaca, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, cheddar, asadero, or any melty cheese.
