Best Easy Tamales de Zarzamora Recipe

Sweet tamales filled with blackberries, bursting with fruity flavor in every bite. These family dessert tamales showcase seasonal berries wrapped in tender, sweet masa.

Cook 90 min Difficulty NORMAL 255 kcal
#vegetarian #dessert #mexican #fruit
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • masa harina 2 cups
  • fresh blackberries 1.5 cups
  • unsalted butter 0.5 cup
  • whole milk 1 cup
  • corn husks 16 pieces
Seasonings/Sauce
  • sugar 0.75 cup
  • baking powder 1.5 tsp
  • salt 0.5 tsp
  • vanilla extract 1 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 42 g 66%
Protein 4 g 6%
Fat 9 g 28%
Serving size 125g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Soak corn husks in warm water for at least 30 minutes until fully pliable, then drain and pat dry.

  2. 2

    In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy using medium speed for 2–3 minutes.

  3. 3

    In a separate bowl, whisk together the masa harina, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening.

  4. 4

    Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed butter, alternating with milk, then mix in vanilla extract. Beat for several minutes until the dough is light and slightly airy.

  5. 5

    Gently fold in the blackberries, being careful not to crush them.

  6. 6

    Spread 2–3 tablespoons of masa dough onto each corn husk, leaving room at the top and bottom. Place a few extra blackberries in the center and fold the husk to enclose.

  7. 7

    Arrange tamales upright in a steamer basket. Steam over medium heat for 60–75 minutes, checking water level every 20 minutes and adding hot water as needed.

  8. 8

    Tamales are done when the masa pulls cleanly away from the husk. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving to set the texture.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The essential ingredients are masa harina, which forms the sweet and tender dough, and fresh blackberries that give Tamales de Zarzamora their signature fruity flavor. The pairing of sweet masa with juicy blackberries defines the unique identity of this dessert tamal.
Q. What is the most important cooking tip to get fluffy tamales?
Creaming the unsalted butter and sugar until light and fluffy is crucial. This step aerates the dough, resulting in a lighter texture after steaming. Additionally, beating the dough well after adding liquid ensures tenderness.
Q. How do I prevent overcooked or mushy tamales?
To avoid overcooking, steam the tamales over medium heat and check them at the 60-minute mark. Tamales are perfectly cooked when the masa pulls away cleanly from the husk. Oversteaming can cause dryness or a mushy texture, so monitor water levels and timing closely.
Q. How many calories and carbohydrates are in each serving?
Each tamal serving (125g) contains about 255 kcal and 42g of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates make up approximately 66% of the caloric content, reflecting the dessert’s sweet and fruit-based nature.
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