Tamales

RE: Tamales (Cinnabonbon)

Fri, 22 Dec 2006 01:00:58 GMT

In reply to the question about regional thing, I guess it just depends on who taught you to make tamales & what you prefer. I make mine the basic way. I purchase unprepared masa & add stuff to make it taste good such as broth, green salsa & salt. I spread a thin layer of masa evenly & place the filling inside & fold it up. My fillings vary, sometimes I make chicken with red chili sauce, beef with red chili sauce or my most requested which is cheese with green chili. Sometimes I add olives sometimes I don't. Mine are around 4 to 5 inches long & 3 inches wide. My sister doesn't like the spreading bit so she takes a pile of masa & puts the filling on top. My friend & her family makes small tube type tamals, her corn masa is very thin. Another friend uses the mixtal? mix which taste too tangy for me. My Mother in law makes large tamales with chunks of pork & spicy red chili sauce. She uses prepared masa & doesn't add anything to the masa. All are very good but are these all consider CA style since we are in CA?

RE: Tamales (Sundancer7)

Thu, 21 Dec 2006 13:30:39 GMT

The Residence Inn I am staying at in Houston is huge with about 300 suites. The entire staff is almost Hispanic and from about every country south of the border.

One of the guys felt sorry for me and invited me to his El Salvordorian residence where they were feasting with their other friends and having dinner that is particular to their country. They will be having many types of tamales along with their native beer.

I am looking forward to it.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

RE: Tamales (Twinwillow)

Thu, 21 Dec 2006 11:38:27 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by joeoftexas

In Dallas, TX
try:

http://lapopulartamales.com/

La Popular Tamale House
5004 Columbia at Munger, suite 103
Dallas, TX 75214
Phone: 214-824-7617

Thanks, JoeofTexas. I'm going to place an order for pork tamales from these folks for Christmas.

RE: Tamales (mayor al)

Thu, 21 Dec 2006 10:29:42 GMT

In our community on the High Desert of SoCal (Hesperia), we had a number of street corner venders selling tamales. Pork-Beef-Chicken were the usual choices. One Mexican Restaurant, Casa Delicioso located under the Main St overpass, next to the Santa Fe RR tracks is well regarded in the area for some really good Mexican Food. At this time of year they have a Tamale production Line working almost around the clock to fill the orders for Tamales for the Christmas suppers. Those Tamales were kind of flattend, looking a bit like a 'Runza' wrapped in corn husks, about 5 inches long and maybe 2.5 inches at the widest, across. They are the best Tamales I have ever enjoyed.

RE: Tamales (NYNM)

Thu, 21 Dec 2006 09:58:06 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by Sundancer7

Another thing that puzzles me about regional tamales is their size.

In East Tennessee, the tamales are big and fat a little bit like the size of a ear of boiled corn and everyone I have had in Texas has been cigar sized.

New Mexico also has small tamales. They are made by the Hispanic families and also the Native American families. I didn't know they were so large east of the Mississippi.

RE: Tamales (Sundancer7)

Wed, 20 Dec 2006 20:47:36 GMT

Another thing that puzzles me about regional tamales is their size.

In East Tennessee, the tamales are big and fat a little bit like the size of a ear of boiled corn and everyone I have had in Texas has been cigar sized.

There is a lady that Fred Sauceman has written about in Knoxville that runs a place called Mary's Tamales on Magnolia. Hers originated in Mississippi and are also very small. They have a slightly peculiar sour cinnamon taste to them. They are still very good.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

RE: Tamales (Texianjoe)

Mon, 18 Dec 2006 18:04:01 GMT

Thanks for the update, like I said I hadn't tried them in a while. They used to have venison at one time I guess they decided to streamline. There is also Alamo Tamale Co. but they are not in the best parts of town if you are not familiar with the area.

joe

RE: Tamales (Sundancer7)

Mon, 18 Dec 2006 16:01:45 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by Texianjoe

quote:
Originally posted by Sundancer7

I am in Houston looking for some good tamales. I understand that Texas Tamales are very good but I have been unable to find them except in the grocery store.

I would prefer to find them in a place that sold them hot.

For those that know Houston, I would prefer to find a place close to South Main St.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

Texas Tamale Co. used to be good but I haven't tried them in several years. They are on Fountainview which is the second exit on 59s just outside the loop, you make a right and it's a couple of blocks on the left. The corp. office is on Knight road around the corner from the Med. Ctr. but I think they are just offices. H.E.B. Mi Tienda sells tamales but I haven't tried them. I will try to do so soon and let you know how it goes. Their menudo is very good.

http://www.texastamale.com/

joe

Due to this thread on roadfood, I decided to take a short drive over to Fountain View to check out Texas Tamale. I expected it to be a huge place due to the fact that they supply a lot of stores in Houston. It was a small hole in the wall place. Perhaps they make most of their tamales at their corporate location?

I do not have a lot of experience with tamales but their's was tasty served with rice, cheese and some sauce with chips. I got four tamales that were very small for $5.00. They were very spicy.

I also got a beef taco which was very good and served as chunks of beef with some lettuce and sour cream.

As expected, the place was totally Hispanic and the service was very good..

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

RE: Tamales (NYNM)

Mon, 18 Dec 2006 14:10:54 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by Grillmeister

Interesting sidenote: Our local tamale place (Lupe's in Sherman, TX) has installed wi-fi! Oh, this place is the real deal alright...I'm guessing there is an assimilated techie relative or something. Nothing is better on the 'ol laptop keyboard than chili!

I would also like to learn about that southern tamale thing....

Don't know nothin bout them suthun tamales, but did a google and found an entire website devoted to Southern Tamales, with the history, the "trail" and more. Seems like they are same as Mexican tamales but somehow wound up as a Delta food! Read on:

www.tamaletrail.com

RE: Tamales (Texianjoe)

Mon, 18 Dec 2006 11:32:13 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by Sundancer7

I am in Houston looking for some good tamales. I understand that Texas Tamales are very good but I have been unable to find them except in the grocery store.

I would prefer to find them in a place that sold them hot.

For those that know Houston, I would prefer to find a place close to South Main St.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

Texas Tamale Co. used to be good but I haven't tried them in several years. They are on Fountainview which is the second exit on 59s just outside the loop, you make a right and it's a couple of blocks on the left. The corp. office is on Knight road around the corner from the Med. Ctr. but I think they are just offices. H.E.B. Mi Tienda sells tamales but I haven't tried them. I will try to do so soon and let you know how it goes. Their menudo is very good.

http://www.texastamale.com/

joe

RE: Tamales (Grillmeister)

Mon, 18 Dec 2006 10:20:42 GMT

Interesting sidenote: Our local tamale place (Lupe's in Sherman, TX) has installed wi-fi! Oh, this place is the real deal alright...I'm guessing there is an assimilated techie relative or something. Nothing is better on the 'ol laptop keyboard than chili!

I would also like to learn about that southern tamale thing....

RE: Tamales (mayor al)

Mon, 18 Dec 2006 10:16:39 GMT

I am going to bring back an UNANSWERED question from one of the earlier posts. Will one of you Tamale lovers please explain to me what the difference is between the 'Normal' Mexican, or Tex/California-Mex Tamale and the Southern-Style or Mississippi Style tamale one obtains at places like DOES EAT PLACE or other Delta 'Soul-food places.
Paul mentioned them in a post on this page, but I don't understand how the Southern differ from the Mexican?Inquiring Minds NEED to know !!

RE: Tamales (tamandmik)

Mon, 18 Dec 2006 09:44:59 GMT

I just experienced the single best tamales ever tasted at a company Xmas party. The source: Roberto's in Las Cruces, NM. They are renowned for the world's biggest enchilada. But these tamales are superior to anything else I've had on their menu.

RE: Tamales (Pancho)

Sun, 17 Dec 2006 16:52:45 GMT

I've got a dozen green chile and pork tamales waiting to be served for dinner tonight. Also a pound of carnitas. Having a sliced avocado, grapefruit salad on the side. Neat twist....slice up the avocados, section out a grapefruit or two, squeeze juice into a serving bowl with avocados and grapefruit. Drizzle with a little EVOO and some coarse black pepper. Try it you'll like it. You can get the tamales from Super La Tienda(here in Madison, WI) every weekend. The best I've ever had!

RE: Tamales (NYNM)

Sun, 17 Dec 2006 16:38:50 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by jjjj

Hello Again --

Thnx for the replies. Does anyone know whether any mail-order tamales use HATCH, NM chile?

Does anyone know anything about Corn Maiden Tamales (http://www.cornmaidenfoods.com/)?

Or Hot Damn Tamales (http://www.hotdamntamales.com/?gclid=CNaF54ylmIkCFQGPWAod8kyCTw)?

Or El Merendero (Posa's) Tamales/Santa Fe Tamales (http://www.santafetamales.com/)?

Or Carrillo's Tamales (https://carrillostamales.com/tamales.htm)?

Or Montana Tamale Company?

Thnx,
j

Posa's is a sort of "chain" in Santa Fe, a little "downscale" if you will. I'd look around elsewhere. Leona's probably used Chimayo chile which is a second cousin to Hatch, a tad sweeter I think. And good.

RE: Tamales (jjjj)

Sun, 17 Dec 2006 12:16:11 GMT

Hello Again --

Thnx for the replies. Does anyone know whether any mail-order tamales use HATCH, NM chile?

Does anyone know anything about Corn Maiden Tamales (http://www.cornmaidenfoods.com/)?

Or Hot Damn Tamales (http://www.hotdamntamales.com/?gclid=CNaF54ylmIkCFQGPWAod8kyCTw)?

Or El Merendero (Posa's) Tamales/Santa Fe Tamales (http://www.santafetamales.com/)?

Or Carrillo's Tamales (https://carrillostamales.com/tamales.htm)?

Or Montana Tamale Company?

Thnx,
j

RE: Tamales (Sundancer7)

Sun, 17 Dec 2006 08:41:45 GMT

I am in Houston looking for some good tamales. I understand that Texas Tamales are very good but I have been unable to find them except in the grocery store.

I would prefer to find them in a place that sold them hot.

For those that know Houston, I would prefer to find a place close to South Main St.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

RE: Tamales (NYNM)

Sat, 16 Dec 2006 22:50:18 GMT

Gotta put in a plug for Leona's tamales which many of you know - they are sold in the small cafe just next to the Santuario de Chimayo in New Mexico. Made with Chimayo "Holy Chile" They also make chile ristras and sell packs of "Christmas Mix" Chile (red+Green dried chile). There's a gift for ya! They ship and they are GOOD!

http://www.leonasrestaurante.com

From the website:
Vegetarian, Pork, & Chicken Tamales
Served in fine Restaurants and sold in many health food markets. These excellent tamales combine the traditions of yesterday with the dietary preferences of today. The veggie consist of zucchini, corn flower, canola oil, green chile, cheddar cheese, garlic, salt and water. As with all our fine products, no lard or preservatives are used.

Vegetarian, Red, No Cheese, Vegetarian, Green, Traditional Pork Tamales, Red, No Cheese, Traditional Chicken Tamales, Cheese, No Chile, Traditional Chicken Tamales, Green, Cheese $15

CHILE PRODUCTS: Red Chile Powder Hot or Mild, Red Chile Caribe (Crushed) 1 lb, Hot or Mild, Green Chile Powder lb, Green Chile Caribe (Crushed) Hot or Mild, Red Chile Sauce Green Chile, Salsa

Ristras (string chile): 4" Piquin (treated), 12" Piquin, 1- 2-3 ft.

Dried Products - Leona's de Chimayó, Chile Piquin, Salsa Mix, Christmas Mix, Chicos, Blue Corn Atole, White Posole, Blue Corn Posole, Blue Corn Popcorn, Sopaipilla Mix.

RE: Tamales (Big_g)

Sat, 16 Dec 2006 22:22:31 GMT

This was posted at the begin of this thread....and I just placed an order for 6 doz..

Best tamales in the world are from Pedro's Tamales in Lubbock, TX.
There is no contest.

www.tamale.com for mail-order, and they're available in many southwestern supermarkets.

RE: Tamales (jjjj)

Sat, 16 Dec 2006 21:17:48 GMT

Does anyone know A GREAT place to mail-order TAMALES -- ones made without lard or unhealthy oils -- that are tied and packaged prettily (it's for a gift)?
Thnx

RE: Tamales (xannie_01)

Wed, 04 Oct 2006 22:56:32 GMT

NYNM,
the xmas tamales are special, they're made with white corn , green chiles and chicken.
one talame is as big as your hand. sour cream sauce..delicious. so hot, so spicy so GOOD.

RE: Tamales (NYNM)

Wed, 04 Oct 2006 22:43:12 GMT

I’m engaged to New Mexico. I’ve been engaged for eighteen years.
I’ve worn its ring of rainbow set with a mica shard.
I’ve given my dowry already, my skin texture, my hair moisture.
I’ve given New Mexico my back-East manners, my eyesight,
The arches of my feet. New Mexico’s a difficult fiancé.
—excerpt from "Something Like Marriage" by Joan Logghe

For NM lovers. Full text in Blessed Resistance: Poems. Mariposa Press. 1999.

RE: Tamales (NYNM)

Wed, 04 Oct 2006 22:14:49 GMT

Of course I am already in love with NM (having an affair with NYC at the same time). Xannie: Have you ever read the poem by New Mexican poet Joan Logghe called "Something Like a Marriage"? She donated a copy to Ranch O Casadas in Espanola which they had on the wall. A very good poem about the complexities of a NM attachment! (maybe I can get a copy...)

Anyway, re: Tamales. I had 2 good one this part weekend (1) Leona's (Chimayo): Veggie (zucchini, green chile, cheese). Leona's also sells in bulk and in freezer section of some NM markets. Yum Yum.
(2) Santo Domingo Pueblo - off I-25 Exit 259 at the gas station where the native americans sell handmade jewelry, boots, etc. Nice tamales with meat. A bit less spicy, a bit bigger and a bit more expensive than Leona's. ($3 vs $1.75)

PS: What is Xmas tamales? (red/green chile?)

RE: Tamales (xannie_01)

Wed, 04 Oct 2006 21:05:29 GMT

papajoe and annpeeples,
just yer undying devotion>>
i want everyone to fall in love with NM

RE: Tamales (desertdog)

Wed, 04 Oct 2006 20:51:06 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by HollyDolly

Thanks for the food photos and all this talk makes me hungery.I have made the green corn tamales,just a dozen for myself.I got the recipe from a cookbook,but can't remember the name.I may order some from Angie's mom for Thanksgiving for myself.Eat a couple and freeze the rest.
As kids we usually bought canned ones or sometimes the regular ones in corn husks.
Pedros are pretty good.I have had them before.They also sell Alamo Tamales here like at Walmart.H.E.B.grocery stores sell Rosita,Pedro's and Garcia's.

The Sanchez Family here in Arizona make my favorite Green Corn Tamales. (served in their restaurant called Que Bueno) They took over the place several years ago and have just done an outstanding job on all of their menu items. Their salsa has won first place the last several years at the Great Southwest Salsa Challenge in Scottsdale. top notch stuff!

RE: Tamales (ann peeples)

Tue, 03 Oct 2006 10:46:48 GMT

Me too,me,too,Xannie!!!!And tell me what you want from Wisconsin in return...

RE: Tamales (PapaJoe8)

Tue, 03 Oct 2006 10:32:57 GMT

Wow, sounds great Xannie! Hmm, now hat can I send you from Texas?
Joe

RE: Tamales (xannie_01)

Mon, 02 Oct 2006 18:34:11 GMT

PapaJoe,
you have my word. as soon as those tamales
start becoming available for the holidays, i'm fedexing you a dozen!

RE: Tamales (PapaJoe8)

Mon, 02 Oct 2006 18:30:28 GMT

Don't torture us Xannie, less you wana mail us some of those tamales!!! But... hearin about em is better than nothin I guess. Oh, maybe some pictures would... make us wantem more. I guess we could come eat some I guess. Oh, mighta ben some pineapple in THP's tamaies?

Joetex, I ben there, whats your favorite kind? They have like 8 flovors.

Kiowa, have you had Ruth's at the fair? 2 stands this year. Try em and tell me I'm wrong.
Joe

RE: Tamales (xannie_01)

Mon, 02 Oct 2006 17:45:22 GMT

really????
what all was in it?