New Orleans-Style Homestyle Tamales
Delve into the heart of Southern cuisine with these New Orleans-style homestyle tamales. This unique recipe, inspired by the flavors of the Delta, combines spicy ground beef with a rich cornmeal dough that perfectly encapsulates the zesty filling. Originally shared by a local reader in Chalmette, these tamales are sure to become a family favorite, providing an authentic taste of the South that is both comforting and delicious. Perfect for gatherings, this recipe yields a large batch, allowing you to share the warmth and flavor of homemade tamales with friends and family. Just remember to check in about the best paper wrappers to ensure a hassle-free cooking experience for this cozy dish!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
3 1/2 - 4 lbs (ground)
large onions
2 (pureed)
chili powder
3 oz (dry)
cumin
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
salt
4 teaspoons (to taste)
tomato sauce
2 (8 oz) cans (Hunt's)
water
1 cup + additional for cooking (as needed)
cornmeal
2/3 cup (dry)
garlic powder
2 teaspoons (dry)
black pepper
2 teaspoons (to taste)
cayenne pepper
to taste (optional)
quaker yellow cornmeal
1 (1 lb) package (dry)
additional salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
shortening
5 tablespoons (in dough and extra as needed)
additional chili powder
3 oz (for layering)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are New Orleans-style homestyle tamales?
These are Delta-inspired tamales featuring a spicy ground beef filling and a rich cornmeal dough, traditionally simmered rather than steamed.
How much ground beef is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 1/2 to 4 pounds of ground beef.
What type of cornmeal is used for the dough?
A 1-pound package of Quaker yellow cornmeal is specified for the dough.
How should the onions be prepared for the filling?
The two large onions should be pureed before being added to the meat mixture.
How much chili powder is needed in total?
The recipe uses 6 ounces total: 3 ounces for the meat mixture and an additional 3 ounces for layering during the cooking process.
What brand of tomato sauce is recommended?
The recipe suggests using two 8-ounce cans of Hunt's tomato sauce.
Is there cornmeal inside the meat filling?
Yes, in addition to the dough, 2/3 cup of dry cornmeal is mixed directly into the meat.
What fat is used to make the tamale dough?
The recipe uses 5 tablespoons of shortening for the dough.
Are these tamales spicy?
Yes, they contain chili powder, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper to taste.
What kind of wrappers should I use?
The recipe recommends using paper wrappers for a hassle-free cooking experience.
Where did this recipe originate?
This specific version was shared by a local reader in Chalmette, inspired by flavors of the Delta.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of dry garlic powder.
Is cumin included in the seasoning?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin is added to the meat mixture.
How much salt is used in the meat mixture?
The meat mixture requires 4 teaspoons of salt, or more to taste.
Is there extra salt in the dough?
Yes, an additional 1 teaspoon of salt is added to the cornmeal dough.
How much black pepper is included?
The recipe includes 2 teaspoons of black pepper.
What is the purpose of the additional water?
One cup of water is used in the mixture, with additional water needed for the cooking/simmering process.
Can I adjust the heat level?
Yes, the cayenne pepper is listed as optional and can be adjusted to your preference.
Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?
Yes, it is designed as a large-batch recipe perfect for gatherings and sharing.
What makes these 'Delta-style'?
They are characterized by a spicy beef filling and the use of cornmeal, often cooked in a seasoned liquid which is common in Mississippi Delta traditions.
Do I need to cook the meat before wrapping?
The recipe lists the beef as ground and mixed with other ingredients; typically, these are wrapped raw or par-cooked and then finished in the wrapper.
What is the serving size?
Specific serving sizes are not provided, but the recipe is intended for large groups.
Can I use white cornmeal instead of yellow?
The recipe specifically calls for Quaker yellow cornmeal for the authentic color and flavor.
Are these tamales gluten-free?
While the primary ingredients like beef and cornmeal are gluten-free, always check labels on chili powder and tomato sauce to ensure no gluten additives.
How are the tamales layered during cooking?
They are layered with an additional 3 ounces of chili powder to create a flavorful cooking liquid.
Why is shortening used instead of lard?
Shortening provides a consistent texture for the homestyle dough, though some traditional recipes use lard.
What gives the dough its flavor?
The dough is flavored with salt and the richness of the shortening combined with the yellow cornmeal.
Can I freeze these tamales?
Yes, like most tamales, these can be frozen after cooking and reheated later.
How should I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
What is the best way to reheat them?
They are best reheated by steaming or microwaving while still in their paper wrappers to maintain moisture.