Indulge in the sweet goodness of Mexican cuisine with our authentic recipe for Tamales de Dulce, a delightful treat that combines corn masa, sweet fillings, and fragrant flavors. This traditional Mexican dessert is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for celebrations and gatherings. Let's dive into the detailed guide to make these delectable sweets at home.
Tamales de Dulce, or sweet tamales, offer a variety of fillings, but our favorite is the classic combination of Oaxacan string cheese, pineapple, and raisins wrapped in a sweet, moist dough. The result is an explosion of textures and flavors in every bite. So, let's get started and bring a taste of Mexico into your kitchen!
Gather Your Ingredients and Tools
Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients and tools for making these sweet tamales. Here's a comprehensive list to help you start:
Ingredients:
- 8 cups of dried corn husks
- 1 1/2 cups of white sugar
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 4 cups of corn masa harina
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 cups of warm water
- 2 cups of Oaxacan string cheese or mozzarella, thinly sliced
- 2 cups of diced fresh pineapple
- 1 cup of raisins
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
Tools:
- A large bowl
- A food processor or blender
- A steam tamale cooker or a large pot with a steamer basket
Prepare the Corn Husks
Start by preparing the corn husks, which will serve as the wrapping for your tamales. Begin to soak the husks in hot water for about 30 minutes to make them flexible and easy to handle.
While the husks are soaking, you can begin preparing the sweet dough and fillings.
Make the Sweet Dough
In a large bowl, cream together the sugar, butter, and butter until light and fluffy. This step ensures a moist and sweet dough that will hold together perfectly.
Gradually add the corn masa harina, baking powder, and salt to the sugar mixture. As you add the dry ingredients, gradually pour in the warm water, mixing well after each addition. The dough should be soft and spreadable, similar to the consistency of thick cake batter. If it's too thick, add a little more water; if it's too thin, add more masa harina.
Prepare the Fillings
Now that your sweet dough is ready, it's time to prepare the fillings that will make your Tamales de Dulce truly special.
While the corn husks are soaking, you can dice the fresh pineapple and slice the Oaxacan string cheese or mozzarella. You can also mix in the raisins, cinnamon (if using), and some of the finely diced pineapple into the cheese slices to create a well-rounded, flavorful filling.
Assemble the Tamales
Once the corn husks have soaked and softened, it's time to assemble your Tamales de Dulce. Drain and pat them dry, then lay them flat on a work surface.
Spread about 1/4 cup of the sweet dough mixture onto each corn husk, leaving some room at the top. Then, place a spoonful of the cheese and fruit filling in the center of the dough. Fold the husk over the filling, making sure to enclose it completely. As you continue to assemble the tamales, wrap kitchen twine around the husks to secure them during cooking.
Steam the Tamales
The final step in making these delectable treats is to steam the tamales to perfection. Place the tamales upright in a tamale cooker or a large pot with a steamer basket, ensuring they're not overcrowded. Cover tightly and steam for approximately 30-40 minutes, until the dough is cooked through and the fillings are heated.
Once done, carefully remove the tamales from the pot and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy these sweet delights on their own or garnished with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Now that you've mastered the art of making Tamales de Dulce, why not experiment with other sweet fillings like sweet jelly, chocolate, or creamy custard? The possibilities are endless! So, gather your loved ones and share the love and warmth of Mexican cuisine with these delightful, homemade tamales. Buen provecho!