Steaming Tamales: Pressure Cooker Perfection In Minutes

Tamales are an ancient food from Mexico and Guatemala, traditionally one of the first packed lunches. They are the ideal pack-and-go meal as they come in their own neat little pouches. Tamales are usually steamed, which can be a time-consuming process. However, a pressure cooker can be used to steam tamales, reducing the cooking time significantly. This guide will take you through the steps to achieve perfectly steamed tamales using a pressure cooker.

Ingredients

Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. This includes tamales, water, and any desired fillings or toppings. Popular fillings include chicken, beef, cheese, or vegetarian options.

Prepare the Pressure Cooker

Ensure your pressure cooker is clean and in good working condition. Fill it with the recommended amount of water, usually around 1-2 cups.

Set Up the Steamer Basket

Place a 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, avoiding soggy bottoms.

Assemble the Tamales

Unwrap the corn husk from each tamale and spoon the desired filling down the center. 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. Typically, tamales need about 15-20 minutes at high pressure. Once the time is up, release the pressure according to the instructions for your cooker.

Remove the tamales from the pressure cooker and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your freshly steamed tamales!

Prepare your pressure cooker by filling it with the recommended amount of water, usually around 1 cup

Preparing your pressure cooker is an important step in the process of steaming tamales. Here are some detailed instructions to help you get started:

Firstly, ensure that your pressure cooker is clean and in good working condition. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for any specific guidelines that may apply to your particular model. This step is crucial to ensure the appliance functions optimally and safely.

Now, it's time to fill your pressure cooker with water. The recommended amount of water to add is typically around 1 cup. This may vary slightly depending on the size and specifications of your pressure cooker, so it's always a good idea to consult your manual for precise instructions. The water is essential as it produces the steam that will cook your tamales to perfection.

By following these initial steps, you'll be well on your way to successfully steaming tamales in your pressure cooker. Remember, it's important to have a clean and well-maintained appliance, and adding the right amount of water is key to generating the steam needed for cooking.

Place a steamer basket or rack inside to keep the tamales elevated and prevent soggy bottoms

Steaming tamales in a pressure cooker is an efficient and convenient way to cook them, saving time and evenly distributing heat. To prevent soggy bottoms, it is essential to keep the tamales elevated. This can be achieved by placing a steamer basket or a sturdy metal rack inside the pressure cooker. The rack provides a platform for the tamales to sit on, preventing direct contact with the water.

The steamer basket or rack should be placed at the bottom of the pressure cooker before adding water and tamales. It is important to ensure that the rack is clean and sturdy enough to withstand the weight of the tamales. The number of tamales that can be placed on the rack will depend on the size of the pressure cooker and the rack. It is crucial to avoid overcrowding to allow for even steam distribution.

When assembling the tamales, it is important to wrap them tightly in corn husks to prevent the filling from escaping during the cooking process. The tamales should then be placed upright on the steamer basket or rack, ensuring they are secure and will not tip over. This prevents the tamales from unwrapping during cooking and helps to keep them elevated.

Once the tamales are placed on the rack, the pressure cooker can be sealed and the cooking process can begin. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for specific guidelines on cooking time and pressure settings. In general, tamales take about 15-20 minutes to cook at high pressure. After the desired cooking time has passed, the pressure should be released according to the cooker's instructions.

By using a steamer basket or rack, the tamales will be perfectly steamed, with tender and flavourful results, without the issue of soggy bottoms.

Experiment with different fillings like chicken, beef, shrimp, or vegetarian options

Tamales are a versatile dish that can be filled with a variety of ingredients to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are some ideas for experimenting with different fillings:

Chicken

For a classic option, try filling your tamales with shredded chicken. You can use leftover chicken or cook a fresh batch specifically for your tamales. Shredded chicken breast or thigh meat works well and can be seasoned with various spices like cumin, chili powder, or salsa for added flavour.

Beef

If you prefer beef, try using shredded or ground beef as your filling. You can brown some ground beef and season it with your favourite taco or fajita spices. Alternatively, use leftover steak or roast beef, shredding it and mixing it with a bit of sauce or salsa to keep it moist.

Shrimp

For a seafood twist, try filling your tamales with shrimp. You can cook the shrimp beforehand and chop them into small pieces, or use tiny shrimp for a more subtle flavour. Add some diced onions, peppers, or other vegetables for extra texture and flavour.

Vegetarian Options

For a meatless option, there are several delicious fillings to try:

• Refried beans: Use refried pinto or black beans as a simple and hearty vegetarian filling. You can mix them with cheese, roasted vegetables, or salsa for added flavour and texture.
• Cheese: Cheese is a great vegetarian option and can be used on its own or paired with other fillings. Oaxaca cheese (a Mexican mozzarella) is a popular choice, but any type of melty cheese will work.
• Vegetables: Roast or sauté your favourite vegetables and finely chop them before adding to your tamales. Some tasty options include peppers (poblano, bell, or jalapeño), potatoes, cauliflower, mushrooms, squash, onions, and carrots.

No matter which filling you choose, remember to add just a small amount to each tamale—about a tablespoon or two. You can also mix and match fillings to create unique combinations that suit your taste preferences. Get creative and enjoy experimenting with different flavours!

Ensure proper sealing of the tamales by tightly wrapping them in the corn husks

To ensure your tamales are a hit, keep these tips in mind:

Proper Sealing

The proper sealing of tamales is essential to prevent the filling from escaping during the cooking process. Here are some steps to achieve that:

• After preparing your fillings, take each tamale and carefully unwrap the corn husk.
• Spoon the desired filling down the center of the tamale. Be careful not to overfill to avoid any spillage.
• Fold the sides of the corn husk neatly and securely over the filling. Ensure that the tamale is tightly wrapped.
• Place the tamale upright on the steamer basket, making sure it is stable and won't tip over.

Other Tips

In addition to proper sealing, here are some extra tips to enhance your tamale-making experience:

• Experiment with fillings: Be adventurous and try different fillings such as shrimp, sweet potato, pineapple, or even vegetarian options.
• Add flavor to the water: Boost the taste of your tamales by adding seasonings or broth to the water in the pressure cooker.
• Don't overcrowd the cooker: Allow enough space between tamales for even steam circulation and consistent cooking.

Add seasonings or broth to the water in the pressure cooker for extra flavour

When steaming tamales in a pressure cooker, you can add seasonings or broth to the water for extra flavour. This infuses the tamales with an extra burst of flavour.

For example, you could use the cooking liquid from carnitas or chile sauce to add flavour to the water in the pressure cooker. Alternatively, you could use chicken broth or stock, or even the cooking liquid from the pork shoulder filling.

If you want to experiment with different flavours, you can try adding various seasonings to the water, such as cumin, garlic, or different types of chilli powder. You could also try adding fresh herbs like basil, chives, tarragon, cilantro, or parsley.

Remember to fill the pressure cooker with the recommended amount of liquid, usually around 1 to 2 cups of water, and then add your desired seasonings or broth. Place a steamer basket or rack inside the cooker to keep the tamales elevated and prevent soggy bottoms.

By adding extra flavour to the water, you can enhance the taste of your tamales and create a unique and delicious dish.

Frequently asked questions