Are you ready for a savory celebration?
National Tamale Day on March 23rd is a tribute to the mouthwatering Mexican dish that has captivated taste buds for centuries.
#NationalTamaleDay
Made from a cornmeal dough and filled with a variety of meats, vegetables, or fruit, tamales are a true culinary delight.
- And while they're often enjoyed as street food in South America and the southern United States today, tamales have a rich history that dates back to Mesoamerica as early as 8000 to 5000 B.C.
- Traditional tamales are made with a dough called masa. The dough is spread on a corn husk or banana leaf, and then the fillings are added.
- The leaves are then wrapped around the entire package and steamed to perfection, creating a fragrant and flavorful meal that is sure to satisfy any palate.
Masa is made from nixtamalized cornmeal. Nixtamalized corn has been soaked and cooked in an alkaline solution such as limewater or hardwood ash to remove the seed husk.
- Savory tamales consist of beans, rice, cheese, pork, chicken, turkey, and various vegetables and seasonings.
- Traditionally, people enjoy the tamale fresh from its steamy package, unenhanced by salsa and crema. However, that isn’t to say that you shouldn’t drizzle a little hot sauce or guacamole if you choose.
- Dessert tamales satisfy sweet tooths of every kind. Think fruity, caramel, and creamy steamed hand pies.
- Usually, a smaller version of the hearty, savory tamale, these dessert tamales provide a little indulgence at the end of a meal.
So why not join the celebration this National Tamale Day and indulge in this time-honored Mexican tradition? Don't miss out on the chance to savor the delicious taste of tamales and embrace a culture that has been delighting foodies for centuries.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL TAMALE DAY
- Discover a delicious new recipe on National Tamale Day.
- Take a cooking class to learn how to make authentic tamales.
- Share your favorite tamale recipe with others.
- Teach others how to make authentic tamales.
- Visit your favorite street vendor or restaurant for savory and dessert tamales. Be sure to give them a shout-out on social media.
- Let us know what your favorite kind of tamale is.
- Attend a tamale festival or celebration. There are over 40 across the nation.
- Try this delicious tamale recipe from Tastes Better From Scratch.
- When you celebrate, use #NationalTamaleDay to share on social media.
NATIONAL TAMALE DAY HISTORY
In 2015, Richard Lambert, owner of Santa Barbara-based Tamales-To-Go, founded National Tamales Day to celebrate the family’s love of tamales and his signature dish. They chose March 23rd to encourage the enjoyment of tamales all year long and because the only food competition on the calendar was Melba Toast.
Tamale FAQ
Q. Are tamales sweet or savory?
A. Tamales are versatile and can be made either sweet or savory.
Q. Can tamales be frozen?
A. Yes. It’s important to allow the cooked tamale to come to room temperature before sealing in an airtight, freezer-safe container.
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