Best Easy Tamales de Frijol Recipe

Masa tamales filled with seasoned refried beans, a simple and satisfying vegetarian option. These fiber-rich family tamales are a budget-friendly staple at Mexican celebrations.

Cook 90 min Difficulty NORMAL 280 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean #diabetic friendly
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • masa harina 2 cups
  • refried beans 1.5 cups
  • corn husks 18 pieces
  • vegetable oil 0.25 cup
  • baking powder 1 tsp
  • vegetable broth 1.25 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
  • kosher salt 1 tsp
  • ground cumin 0.5 tsp
  • chili powder 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 38 g 54%
Protein 9 g 13%
Fat 10 g 33%
Serving size 200g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Soak the corn husks in warm water for 30 minutes to make them pliable; drain before assembling.

  2. 2

    In a large bowl, mix masa harina, baking powder, and salt. Add vegetable oil and gradually incorporate the vegetable broth, beating until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.

  3. 3

    In a separate bowl, mix the refried beans with cumin and chili powder for extra flavor.

  4. 4

    Lay a soaked corn husk flat, spread about 2–3 tbsp of masa in the center, flattening evenly. Add a spoonful of seasoned beans in the middle, then fold the sides of the husk over to enclose the filling and fold up the pointed end.

  5. 5

    Arrange tamales upright in a steamer insert. Steam over medium heat, keeping the water just simmering, for 75–90 minutes, checking for doneness (masa should separate easily from the husk). Let cool slightly before serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The core ingredients that define Tamales de Frijol are masa harina and refried beans. Masa harina gives the tamale its classic fluffy texture, while the seasoned refried beans provide the hearty filling and signature flavor.
Q. What is the most important cooking point to get soft, moist tamales?
Proper steam control is essential. Keep the tamales upright and maintain a steady simmer so the masa cooks gently and evenly. Avoid letting the water boil too rapidly or run dry, ensuring moist, tender tamales every time.
Q. How can I prevent my tamales from being dry or dense?
Make sure your masa dough is moist but not too wet. If it feels stiff, beat in more vegetable broth a tablespoon at a time until soft and spreadable. Also, do not overfill with beans—balance is key to an even texture.
Q. What’s the nutrition content per serving of these tamales?
Each serving of Tamales de Frijol provides about 280 kcal, with 38g carbohydrates (54% of calories), 9g protein (13%), and 10g fat (33%), making it a fiber-rich, satisfying option.
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