Coffee-Infused Prune Cream of Wheat Tamales
Discover a delightful fusion of flavors with these Coffee-Infused Prune Cream of Wheat Tamales. This unique dessert reveals the rich essence of coffee combined with sweet prunes, all wrapped in a soft, doughy tamale made from cream of wheat. Crafted by a renowned Mexican chef, this treat offers a distinctive twist on traditional tamales. Perfect for coffee lovers or anyone looking to try something new, these tamales are sure to impress everyone at your table. Prepare for some delightful moments of indulgence and creativity in your kitchen as you craft this intriguing dessert, though keep in mind that the preparation of wrapping leaves is not included in the total time.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
milk
1 1/2 liters (none)
sugar
160 g (none)
coffee
1 tablespoon (none)
uncooked cream of wheat
160 g (none)
butter
1/2 cup (softened)
egg yolks
8 (none)
egg whites
8 (beaten to soft peak stage)
prunes
300 g (pitted and chopped)
banana leaves or corn husks
as needed (lightly toasted or presoaked)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring the milk to a boil, adding the sugar and coffee. Stir occasionally until the mixture is thoroughly combined.
2
Once boiling, gradually whisk in the uncooked cream of wheat, continuously stirring with a wooden spoon. Continue to stir until the mixture thickens and reaches a compact, doughy consistency.
3
Remove the pot from the heat and mix in the butter until melted, followed by the egg yolks. Ensure that everything is well blended.
4
Gently fold in the beaten egg whites in stages, using a spatula to maintain the volume. This will help create a light texture in the tamales.
5
Prepare the wrapping materials: lightly toast banana leaves over a stovetop or burner grill, or have presoaked corn husks ready for filling and wrapping.
6
On each leaf, spread about 1 scant tablespoon of the dough. Place 2 to 3 chopped prunes in the center of the dough.
7
Carefully wrap and secure each tamale, ensuring that they are sealed tight to prevent any leakage during cooking.
8
Place the tamales in a tall steamer pot and steam for about 1 hour, or until they are firm and cooked through.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Coffee-Infused Prune Cream of Wheat Tamales?
They are a unique dessert fusion featuring a dough made from cream of wheat, flavored with coffee, and filled with sweet prunes, then steamed in traditional wrapping.
What kind of coffee should I use for this recipe?
You can use any standard ground coffee or instant coffee, though a tablespoon of high-quality instant coffee dissolves most easily into the boiling milk.
Can I use corn husks instead of banana leaves?
Yes, you can use either lightly toasted banana leaves or presoaked corn husks to wrap the tamales depending on your preference and availability.
How long do these tamales need to steam?
The tamales should be steamed in a tall pot for approximately one hour or until they are firm and fully cooked through.
Is the cream of wheat used cooked or uncooked?
The recipe requires 160 grams of uncooked cream of wheat, which is then whisked into boiling milk to create a thick dough.
What is the purpose of the egg whites in the dough?
Beaten egg whites are folded into the dough to create a lighter, fluffier texture in the finished tamale.
Do I need to pit the prunes before using them?
Yes, the prunes should be pitted and chopped before being placed in the center of the tamale dough.
Can I substitute the milk with a dairy-free alternative?
While the original recipe calls for milk, you could potentially use almond or oat milk, though it may slightly alter the traditional flavor and richness.
How many prunes should I put in each tamale?
The recipe suggests placing 2 to 3 chopped prune pieces in the center of each tablespoon of dough.
How do I prepare the banana leaves?
Banana leaves should be lightly toasted over a stovetop or burner grill to make them pliable and ready for wrapping.
What is the consistency of the dough supposed to be?
The dough should reach a compact, thick consistency similar to a traditional tamale masa before you add the butter and eggs.
Can I make these tamales ahead of time?
Yes, tamales can be prepared and steamed in advance, then reheated when you are ready to serve.
What temperature should the butter be?
The butter should be softened so it easily melts into the warm cream of wheat mixture.
How do I prevent the tamales from leaking?
Ensure the wrapping is secured tightly and the tamales are placed upright in the steamer to prevent any dough from escaping.
Is this a sweet or savory dish?
This is a dessert tamale, characterized by the sweetness of sugar, prunes, and the rich flavor of coffee.
What should I do if the dough is too thin?
Continue stirring over heat until the cream of wheat absorbs more liquid and reaches a thick, doughy consistency.
Are these tamales gluten-free?
No, cream of wheat is made from wheat and contains gluten.
Can I add more coffee for a stronger flavor?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of coffee to suit your personal preference for a bolder espresso-like taste.
What is the best way to serve these tamales?
They are best served warm, perhaps with a drizzle of cream or a side of cafe de olla.
Why do I need to whisk the cream of wheat gradually?
Whisking gradually prevents lumps from forming, ensuring a smooth and uniform dough.
How many egg yolks are required?
The recipe calls for 8 egg yolks to provide richness and structure to the dessert.
Do I need to soak the corn husks?
If using corn husks, they must be presoaked in warm water until they are flexible enough to wrap.
Can I use a different fruit filling?
While prunes are traditional for this recipe, you could experiment with raisins or dried apricots.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and can be steamed again to reheat.
Can these tamales be frozen?
Yes, steamed tamales freeze well and can be kept for several weeks in a freezer-safe bag.
What kind of pot is best for steaming?
A tall steamer pot with a rack is ideal to keep the tamales above the boiling water.
Does the preparation of the leaves take a long time?
The time for preparing the leaves is not included in the main cooking time, so allow extra time for toasting or soaking.
What happens if I don't fold the egg whites gently?
If you mix them too vigorously, the air will escape and the tamales will be dense rather than light and airy.
Is the sugar content adjustable?
Yes, you can slightly reduce the 160g of sugar if you prefer a less sweet dessert.
Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Yes, brown sugar can be used to add a deeper, molasses-like flavor to the tamales.