Sweet Pumpkin Cranberry Tamales
Add a sweet twist to traditional tamales with pumpkin, cranberries, and warm spices. Perfect as a dessert or a festive side dish!
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Steamer or pasta pot with a removable strainer
- Damp kitchen towel
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
For the corn husks:
- 30 corn husks soaked in warm water for at least 2 hours
For the filling:
- 4 cups 480 g masa harina flour
- 2 cans 15 ounces/425 g each solid-pack pure pumpkin purée
- 1 cup 235 ml canola oil
- ½ cup 110 g packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup 84 g pure maple syrup or agave nectar
- 1 tablespoon 15 ml pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon 7 g ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup 122 g dried cranberries
Instructions
Prepare the husks:
- Soak the corn husks in warm water for 2 hours to soften and make them pliable.
Make the filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all the filling ingredients.
- Mix with your hands until well incorporated.
- The consistency should be like thick peanut butter.
- Adjust with oil or masa if necessary.
Assemble the tamales:
- Open one husk at a time, with the pointed end facing away.
- Spread ¼ cup (45 g) of filling in the center.
- Roll the husk and fold the pointed end under.
- Repeat for all tamales.
Stack the tamales:
- Remove the steamer’s basket, lay it on its side, and tightly stack the tamales inside.
- Stand the basket upright in the larger pot.
Steam the tamales:
- Add water to the pot without touching the tamales.
- Cover with a lid.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and steam for 2–3 hours.
- Check water levels periodically, adding more if necessary.
Check doneness:
- After 2 hours, remove one tamale and let it cool for 5 minutes.
- Unwrap and test for doneness—it should be firm and not mushy.
- If needed, steam for another 15–30 minutes.
Cool and serve:
- Remove tamales from the pot and cool on a tray.
- Serve warm or freeze in resealable plastic bags for up to 1 year.
Notes & Wine Advice
Wine advice:
Pair these sweet tamales with a light, fruity wine such as a sparkling Moscato or a chilled Riesling.
Nutrition values
Calories: 190 kcal | Carbohydrates: 30 g | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 7 g | Sugar: 8 g