Best Easy Tamales Navideños Recipe

Special Christmas tamales filled with mole, chicken, or pork are a holiday-season essential. This protein-rich, family tradition dish is a fresh, festive centerpiece of Mexican Nochebuena.

Cook 150 min Difficulty NORMAL 340 kcal
#high protein #diabetic friendly #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • Dried corn husks 18 pieces
  • Masa harina 2 cups
  • Chicken broth 1.5 cups
  • Unsalted butter 5 tbsp
  • Cooked shredded chicken 10 oz
  • Mole sauce 1 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • Salt 1 tsp
  • Baking powder 1 tsp
  • Ground cumin 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 35 g 41%
Protein 19 g 22%
Fat 13 g 37%
Serving size 215g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    1. Soak the dried corn husks in warm water for at least 1 hour until pliable.

  2. 2

    2. In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter until fluffy, then mix in masa harina, baking powder, salt, and ground cumin.

  3. 3

    3. Gradually add chicken broth while mixing until a soft, spreadable dough forms.

  4. 4

    4. Lay out a softened corn husk, spread about 2-3 tablespoons of masa dough evenly, leaving space at the edges.

  5. 5

    5. Place a generous spoonful of shredded chicken and mole sauce in the center, fold sides inward, then fold up the bottom edge to wrap.

  6. 6

    6. Arrange tamales upright in a steamer basket; steam over medium heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, checking occasionally to ensure water doesn’t run dry.

  7. 7

    7. Let tamales rest for 10 minutes after steaming, allowing the masa to firm up before unwrapping and serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What ingredient gives Tamales Navideños their authentic flavor and festive identity?
Masa harina, a traditional corn dough, forms the base of Tamales Navideños and delivers their classic flavor and texture. For the festive filling, mole sauce—paired with tender shredded chicken—adds rich complexity that makes these tamales a Christmas favorite.
Q. How should I steam Tamales Navideños to ensure they cook evenly?
Steam the tamales upright in a single layer over medium heat, ensuring there's always enough water in the steamer. Consistent medium heat and occasional checks to prevent drying out are key to achieving tender tamales with perfectly set masa.
Q. How can I avoid ending up with dry or undercooked tamales?
Spread the masa dough evenly and don't overfill. Make sure the corn husks are well-soaked for better folding. After steaming, let the tamales rest for 10 minutes—this helps the masa firm up and prevents them from being too soft or falling apart when unwrapped.
Q. What is the nutritional breakdown per serving for this Tamales Navideños recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 340 kcal, with 35g carbohydrates (41%), 19g protein (22%), and 13g fat (37%). These tamales are protein-rich and well balanced for festive occasions.
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