Steaming Tamales: Power Pressure Cooker Method

Tamales are a delicious Mexican treat that can be made with a variety of fillings, including chicken, beef, pork, or cheese. While they are traditionally steamed, you may be wondering if it is possible to cook them in a power pressure cooker. The answer is yes! Using a pressure cooker is a quick and efficient way to prepare tamales, as it helps to reduce the cooking time while evenly distributing heat, resulting in tender and flavorful results. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you steam tamales to perfection in your power pressure cooker:

Firstly, gather your ingredients, including tamales, water, and any desired fillings or toppings. You can experiment with different fillings such as chicken, beef, cheese, or even vegetarian options.

Next, prepare your pressure cooker by ensuring it is clean and in good working condition. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for specific guidelines. Fill the cooker with the recommended amount of water, typically around 1 to 2 cups.

Now, it's time to set up the steamer basket or a sturdy metal rack inside the pressure cooker. This will provide a platform for the tamales to sit on and prevent direct contact with the water, ensuring that the tamales don't become soggy.

Then, carefully unwrap the corn husk of each tamale and spoon your desired filling down the center. Fold the sides of the husk over the filling and place the tamale upright on the steamer basket, ensuring they are secure and won't tip over.

Check your pressure cooker's manual for specific instructions on cooking time and pressure settings. In general, tamales need about 15-30 minutes of cooking time at high pressure. Once the desired time has passed, release the pressure as per your cooker's instructions.

Finally, carefully remove the tamales from the pressure cooker and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the authentic flavors of steamed tamales right in the comfort of your own kitchen!

How to steam tamales in an Instant Pot

Tamales are a fun, delicious, and traditional Mexican dish. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make them using an Instant Pot.

Ingredients:

• Corn husks
• Filling of your choice (meat or vegetarian)
• Masa harina
• Baking powder
• Oil or fat of your choice (lard, butter, avocado oil, etc.)
• Chicken broth or water
• Salt

Method:

• Soak the corn husks in hot water for at least an hour. This will soften them and make them easier to work with.
• Prepare your filling. You can use a variety of fillings, such as shredded meat, vegetables, cheese, beans, etc.
• Make the masa dough by combining masa harina, baking powder, oil or fat, chicken broth or water, and salt in a large bowl. Mix well until you have a soft, pliable dough.
• Assemble the tamales by spreading a layer of masa onto the corn husks, adding a spoonful of filling, and folding the husks to enclose the filling.
• Pour water into the Instant Pot and place the trivet rack inside.
• Arrange the tamales vertically in the Instant Pot, with the open side facing up. Lean them against the sides of the pot to maximize space.
• Close the lid, set the valve to the sealing position, and press the "Steam" button. Adjust the time to 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of your tamales.
• Let the tamales cook under pressure, then wait for the pressure to release naturally for at least 10 minutes before opening the lid.
• Serve the tamales warm with your favorite toppings or sauces.

How to steam frozen tamales in a Ninja Foodi

Tamales are a delicious Mexican treat, and steaming them in a Ninja Foodi is a quick and easy way to get them tender in no time. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Tamales

If you're making homemade tamales, start by preparing the masa and filling. Soak the corn husks in warm water for at least an hour. Then, using the saute setting on your Ninja Foodi, sear a salted pork roast with some oil until all sides are browned. Add garlic, chile pods, oregano, and water, and pressure cook for about 60 minutes.

While the pork is cooking, you can make the masa filling by combining masa flour, baking powder, salt, chicken broth, and oil. Whip it until it's light and fluffy. Once the pork is done, shred it and mix with salsa.

Now, it's time to assemble the tamales! Spread a portion of the masa onto a corn husk and add a scoop of pork on top. Roll the husk towards the middle, bringing the sides up to form a parcel. Repeat this process until you have a batch of tamales ready to be steamed.

Step 2: Steam the Tamales in the Ninja Foodi

Place the steamer rack into the Ninja Foodi and add enough water to fill the base of the cooker, ensuring it reaches the bottom of the rack. You can also use a trivet or a vegetable steamer instead of a steamer rack. Carefully place the tamales vertically into the cooker, with the open side facing up.

Close the lid and set the Ninja Foodi to high pressure for about 15-20 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally, which will take around 15 minutes. Once the time is up, carefully open the lid and use tongs to remove the tamales.

Step 3: Serve and Store

Serve the tamales immediately with your favorite toppings and sides, such as salsa, chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and sour cream.

If you have any leftovers, store them in the fridge or freezer. Keep the husks on the tamales to prevent the masa from drying out. Wrap each tamale tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They will stay fresh in the fridge for about 3 days and can be frozen for up to 6 months.

How to make tamale fillings in an Instant Pot

Making tamales is a fun activity for a dinner party. You can prepare the fillings a day in advance to make the process more manageable. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make tamale fillings in an Instant Pot:

Green Chile Chicken Filling:

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 3 7-oz cans salsa verde

Instructions:

• Put the chicken and 2 cans of salsa verde in the Instant Pot.
• Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then release the pressure naturally.
• Drain the chicken, shred it, and toss it with the last can of salsa verde. Set it aside.

Red Chile Pork Filling:

Ingredients:

• 2 Tablespoons grapeseed oil
• 1 large clove of garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 6 Tablespoons pure red chile powder
• 2 1/2 cups chicken stock

Instructions:

• Sauté the garlic in oil for 1-2 minutes on low heat.
• Add oregano, cumin, and flour. Stir until golden.
• Blend together chile and broth until smooth, and add this mixture to the flour mixture.
• Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and set aside.

Red Chile Pork Filling:

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch cubes
• 1 Tablespoon grapeseed oil
• 1 recipe of red chile sauce (see above)
• 1/2 cup canned crushed tomatoes

Instructions:

• Season the pork with salt and pepper.
• Heat the grapeseed oil in the Instant Pot using the sauté function.
• Cook the pork until seared on all sides.
• Add about 1/2 cup of the red chile sauce and the crushed tomatoes.
• Pressure cook on high for 40 minutes, then release the pressure naturally.
• Transfer the pork to a bowl and discard the fatty liquid left in the Instant Pot.
• Shred the pork and discard fatty pieces. Toss with about 1 cup of the red chile sauce.

You can also make a vegetarian filling with finely diced and sautéed zucchini, onion, and Anaheim pepper, mixed with crumbled queso fresco.

How to assemble tamales

To assemble tamales, start by removing two corn husks from the soaking liquid and laying them flat on a work surface. Next, spread around 1/4 to 1/3 of a cup of masa dough down the centre of the husks, pressing the masa into a rectangle with a 1-2 inch border at the bottom and sides.

Then, add a heaping tablespoon of your chosen filling (such as meat or vegetables) on top of the masa. Now, it's time to close the tamale. Pick up one edge of the corn husk and use it to fold one side of the masa over the centre of the filling. Repeat with the other side, pressing down to form a solid layer of dough over the filling. Finally, gently but tightly wrap the left and right edges of the corn husk around the tamale, then fold up the bottom of the husk to close the package.

Your tamale is now ready to be steamed!

How long to steam tamales in a pressure cooker

Tamales are a delicious Mexican dish that can be cooked in a pressure cooker. The cooking time for tamales in a pressure cooker varies depending on the recipe, the size of the tamales, and the specifications of the cooker. On average, it takes around 20 to 30 minutes on high pressure to steam tamales. However, it is always recommended to follow the specific instructions provided by the recipe or the cooker's manual for accurate cooking times.

• Prepare the ingredients: Before starting, gather all the necessary ingredients, including tamales, water, and any desired fillings or toppings. Traditional fillings include chicken, beef, cheese, or vegetarian options.
• Prepare the pressure cooker: Ensure that your pressure cooker is clean and in good working condition. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for any specific guidelines. Fill the cooker with the recommended amount of water, which is usually around 1 to 2 cups.
• Set up the steamer basket: Place a steamer basket or a sturdy metal rack inside the pressure cooker. This will elevate the tamales and prevent direct contact with the water, avoiding soggy bottoms.
• Assemble the tamales: Unwrap the corn husk and spoon the desired filling onto it. Then, fold the sides of the husk over the filling and place the tamale upright on the steamer basket, ensuring they are secure and won't tip over.
• Cooking time and pressure: Refer to your pressure cooker's manual for specific instructions on cooking time and pressure settings. In general, tamales need about 15 to 20 minutes of cooking time at high pressure. Once the desired time has passed, release the pressure according to the instructions provided by your cooker.
• Remove and serve: Carefully remove the tamales from the pressure cooker and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your freshly steamed tamales!

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