Making Tomales with Kids

Before my third child was born I used to work as a mechanical engineer and the kids were taken care of by a wonderful woman from Mexico. She taught us how to make tamales, which the kids still love to make.

Cooking food from around the world is a great way to introduce other cultures.

The tamale dough is made from Masa flower.
2 lbs Masa
3 tbsp paprika
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tbsp cumin
1 tbsp salt
1 tbsp broth
2 cups corn oil

Mix together and add water until the dough has the consistency of peanut butter.

Spread the dough onto a corn husk and fill with anything that sounds good. We used cheese, hot peppers, corn and black beans.

Steam for two hours. The tomales should be standing upright and not touching the water.

They can also be made sweet using spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg, filling with nuts and fruit and adding honey and milk to the dough. We haven't tried sweet tomales yet, but plan to soon.

To see our other international cooking adventures please visit our Food page.

This post is linked to: 
Kids in the Kitchen
Family Fun Friday 
Saturday Dishes