Best Easy Tamales de Elote Recipe

Sweet fresh corn tamales made from ground corn kernels wrapped in corn husks and steamed. This vegetarian family tradition delivers the pure, naturally sweet flavor of fresh seasonal corn.

Cook 80 min Difficulty NORMAL 242 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • fresh corn kernels 4 cups
  • yellow cornmeal (masa harina) 1 cup
  • unsalted butter 4 tbsp
  • whole milk 0.5 cup
  • dried corn husks 18 pieces
Seasonings/Sauce
  • sugar 0.33 cup
  • baking powder 1 tsp
  • salt 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 43 g 71%
Protein 5 g 8%
Fat 5 g 21%
Serving size 140g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Soak the dried corn husks in hot water for at least 30 minutes until pliable; drain and pat dry.

  2. 2

    Using a food processor, pulse the fresh corn kernels until mostly smooth but with some texture for bite.

  3. 3

    In a large mixing bowl, beat unsalted butter with sugar until creamy, then mix in ground corn, masa harina, baking powder, and salt.

  4. 4

    Gradually add the milk and blend until a thick, spreadable dough forms. Adjust with a little more milk if needed for smoothness.

  5. 5

    Lay out a softened husk, spread about 1/3 cup of the corn dough onto the center, fold in sides, then fold up the bottom to enclose the filling.

  6. 6

    Arrange tamales upright in a steamer lined with extra husks. Steam over simmering heat, lid slightly ajar, for 60–75 minutes, checking water level and replenishing as needed.

  7. 7

    Tamales are ready when the dough pulls away cleanly from the husk and feels set. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving, which helps set the texture.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What’s the key ingredient in this recipe?
The key ingredient in Best Easy Tamales de Elote Recipe is fresh corn kernels. Their sweet, natural flavor and texture define the character of these tamales, offering both the main flavor and the soft bite.
Q. What’s the most important step for perfect texture?
Steaming the tamales for 60–75 minutes over gentle simmering heat is critical. This slow, moist cooking allows the tamale dough to set properly, ensuring each tamal is firm yet tender and releases easily from the husk.
Q. How do I avoid soggy or dry tamales?
To prevent sogginess, don’t over-process the corn—leave some texture, and use enough masa harina to help bind the dough. For dryness, adjust the milk so the dough stays thick but spreadable, and ensure there is always steam in the pot during cooking.
Q. How many calories and carbs are in each serving?
Each serving (140g) provides approximately 242 kcal, with 43g carbohydrates. Carbs account for 71% of the calories in these sweet corn tamales.
Q. Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, every ingredient in this recipe is vegetarian. There is no meat, poultry, or seafood, making it a great choice for vegetarians seeking a sweet corn-based tamal.
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