Discover how to make Tamal de Cerdo, a classic Mexican dish featuring tender pork tamales seasoned with a blend of spices. This step-by-step recipe guides you through the process of creating these savory tamales, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the rich flavors and traditional taste of Mexican cuisine with this easy-to-follow recipe.

Ingredients:

- 2 cups masa harina (corn dough)

- 1 cup lard or vegetable shortening

- 1 cup chicken or pork broth

- 1 teaspoon baking powder

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 2 cups pork shoulder, cooked and shredded

- 1 cup red chili sauce or salsa

- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

- Corn husks (soaked in warm water for 30 minutes)

Instructions:

Prepare the Masa:

  - In a large bowl, combine masa harina, baking powder, and salt.

  - Add lard or shortening and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

  - Gradually add chicken or pork broth, mixing until a smooth dough forms.

Prepare the Filling:

  - In a separate bowl, mix shredded pork with red chili sauce, ground cumin, dried oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.

Assemble the Tamales:

  - Drain the corn husks and pat them dry. Spread a thin layer of masa dough onto the center of each corn husk, leaving space at the edges.

  - Place a spoonful of pork filling on top of the masa.

  - Fold the sides of the husk over the masa and filling, then fold up the bottom to seal the tamale.

Cook the Tamales:

  - Arrange the tamales upright in a steamer basket. Steam over simmering water for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the masa is fully cooked and separates easily from the husk.

Serve and Enjoy:

  - Let the tamales cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with your favorite salsa or hot sauce. 

Tips:

- Ensure the corn husks are thoroughly soaked to prevent tearing.

- Adjust the spice levels in the filling according to your taste preference.

Nutritional Values

2 cups Masa Harina (corn dough)

  - Calories: 365

  - Carbohydrates: 73g

  - Protein: 8g

  - Fat: 3g

Benefits:

  - Rich in carbohydrates for energy.

  - Contains some protein and fiber.

1 cup Lard or Vegetable Shortening

Lard:

   - Calories: 902

   - Fat: 100g

   - Protein: 0g

Vegetable Shortening:

   - Calories: 884

   - Fat: 100g

   - Protein: 0g

Benefits:

  - Lard adds flavor and moisture to the masa.

  - Vegetable shortening can be a substitute for a more neutral flavor.

1 cup Chicken or Pork Broth

Chicken Broth:

   - Calories: 15

   - Carbohydrates: 0g

   - Protein: 2g

   - Fat: 0g

Pork Broth:

   - Calories: 35

   - Carbohydrates: 0g

   - Protein: 2g

   - Fat: 1g

Benefits:

  - Adds flavor and moisture to the masa dough.

  - Provides some nutrients depending on the broth used.

1 teaspoon Baking Powder

  - Calories: 0

  - Carbohydrates: 100g (purely a leavening agent)

Benefits:

  - Helps the masa dough rise and become lighter.

1 teaspoon Salt

  - Calories: 0

  - Sodium: 38,000mg

Benefits:

  - Enhances flavor and can help with preserving.

2 cups Pork Shoulder, Cooked and Shredded

  - Calories: 242

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 20g

  - Fat: 17g

Benefits:

  - Rich in protein and essential nutrients.

  - Provides B vitamins and minerals.

1 cup Red Chili Sauce or Salsa

Red Chili Sauce:

   - Calories: 60

   - Carbohydrates: 8g

   - Protein: 1g

   - Fat: 2g

Salsa:

   - Calories: 30

   - Carbohydrates: 6g

   - Protein: 1g

   - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

  - Adds flavor and spice.

  - Provides some vitamins and antioxidants from the tomatoes and peppers.

1/2 teaspoon Ground Cumin

  - Calories: 375

  - Carbohydrates: 44g

  - Protein: 18g

  - Fat: 22g

Benefits:

  - Adds a warm, earthy flavor.

  - Contains antioxidants and may aid digestion.

1/2 teaspoon Dried Oregano

  - Calories: 265

  - Carbohydrates: 70g

  - Protein: 9g

  - Fat: 7g

Benefits:

  - Adds a robust flavor.

  - Contains antioxidants and may have antimicrobial properties.

1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder

  - Calories: 331

  - Carbohydrates: 72g

  - Protein: 17g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

  - Adds flavor.

  - Contains compounds that may offer health benefits.

1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder

  - Calories: 347

  - Carbohydrates: 81g

  - Protein: 7g

  - Fat: 1g

Benefits:

  - Adds flavor.

  - Provides some nutrients and antioxidants.

Corn Husks (soaked in warm water for 30 minutes)

  - Minimal nutritional value, used mainly for wrapping.

Benefits:

  - Helps to hold the tamales together during cooking.

  - Imparts a subtle flavor.