Lenten tamales filled with beans, cheese, or fish offer meat-free options for fasting days. This family-friendly dish is a fresh, traditional, protein-rich option during Cuaresma.
Soak the corn husks in warm water for at least 30 minutes until pliable, making sure to submerge them fully.
In a large bowl, mix masa harina, baking powder, salt, and olive oil. Add vegetable broth gradually and knead into a soft, moist dough. Rest the masa covered for 20 minutes.
Mash black beans lightly with black pepper and oregano, then fold in the crumbled queso fresco to evenly distribute the filling ingredients.
Spread about 2 heaping tablespoons of masa onto the center of each drained corn husk, leaving space at the edges. Add 2 tablespoons of the bean and cheese filling to the center.
Fold the husk sides over the filling, then fold up the narrow end to close the bottom. Arrange tamales upright with open ends up in a steamer basket and steam over medium-high heat for about 75 minutes, replenishing water if needed, until masa pulls easily from the husk.