Sloppy Joe Tamales

Servings: 9 Difficulty: Advanced
Hearty vegan tamales filled with a tangy, savory tempeh-based sloppy joe mixture
Sloppy Joe Tamales recipe image

Sloppy Joe Tamales

Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 9 Calories: 448.2

Description

These Sloppy Joe Tamales offer a creative twist on traditional Tex-Mex comfort food, combining the rich, smoky flavors of a classic sloppy joe with the soft, tender texture of homemade tamales. The filling features crumbled tempeh simmered in a robust sauce of tomato paste, brown rice vinegar, and tamari, seasoned with dried onion flakes, oregano, and basil for a deep, savory profile. Each tamale is carefully wrapped in corn husks or parchment and steamed until the masa is fluffy and cooked through. Perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or a cozy weeknight dinner, this vegan dish delivers satisfying substance without the meat. The combination of sweet, tangy, and herbal notes makes every bite memorable, offering a hearty meal that appeals to both vegetarians and omnivores alike.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Prepare the masa dough according to your chosen recipe, ensuring it is well-mixed and has a spreadable consistency.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 5 teaspoons of canola or safflower oil over medium heat.
  3. Add 2 tablespoons of dried onion flakes and saut&# 195;© for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Stir in 1 pound of crumbled tempeh and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up further until browned.
  5. Add 1 1/2 cups of tomato paste, 2 teaspoons of brown rice vinegar, 3 teaspoons of tamari, 2 teaspoons of dried oregano, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried basil.
  6. Stir to combine and simmer the filling for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Remove from heat and let cool.
  7. If using dried corn husks, soak them in warm water for at least 30 minutes until pliable. If using parchment, cut squares slightly larger than your desired tamale size.
  8. Spread a thin layer of masa dough onto the center of each husk or parchment square, leaving a border around the edges.
  9. Place a spoonful of the tempeh sloppy joe filling onto the masa.
  10. Fold the husks or parchment over the filling to create a secure packet, sealing the edges.
  11. Arrange the tamales upright in a steamer basket or a pot with a steamer rack, standing them on their folded edges.
  12. Cover and steam for 60-90 minutes, or until the masa pulls away easily from the husk and is fully cooked.
  13. Let the tamales rest for 10 minutes before unwrapping and serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 9


Amount Per Serving
Calories 448.2kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 6.7g11%
Saturated Fat 1.0g5%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 209.5mg9%
Total Carbohydrate 97.0g33%
Dietary Fiber 11.3g46%
Sugars 14.9g
Protein 17.5g35%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: tamales, sloppy joe, vegan, tempeh, tex-mex, masa, corn husks, steamed, plant-based, comfort food, tomato sauce, herbs, holiday dinner, potluck, meal prep, dairy-free, gluten-free option, spicy, savory, traditional
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