This Veracruz-style cup tamale recipe offers a delicious twist on traditional tamales by baking a hominy-based dough with a rich, complex filling. The masa is made from cooked hominy and fat, creating a soft, cake-like texture that holds together beautifully. The filling combines savory elements like meat and salsa with sweet notes from raisins and a hint of cinnamon, reflecting the historic trade influences of the Veracruz region. It&# 226;ÂÂs a comforting, aromatic dish perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings. While it skips the corn husk wrapping, it retains all the bold flavors and satisfying heartiness of classic Mexican cooking, making it an accessible yet authentic-feeling meal for any occasion.
Cup Tamales With Vera Cruz Flavors
Description
This Veracruz-style cup tamale recipe offers a delicious twist on traditional tamales by baking a hominy-based dough with a rich, complex filling. The masa is made from cooked hominy and fat, creating a soft, cake-like texture that holds together beautifully. The filling combines savory elements like meat and salsa with sweet notes from raisins and a hint of cinnamon, reflecting the historic trade influences of the Veracruz region. It&# 226;ÂÂs a comforting, aromatic dish perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings. While it skips the corn husk wrapping, it retains all the bold flavors and satisfying heartiness of classic Mexican cooking, making it an accessible yet authentic-feeling meal for any occasion.Ingredients
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 350ðF (175ðC).
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In a food processor, combine the cooked hominy, lard (or vegetable shortening), 2 teaspoons mild chile powder, and 1 teaspoon salt.
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Process the mixture until it forms a smooth, creamy puree similar in texture to masa dough.
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Lightly grease four individual ramekins or one large casserole dish with oil or butter.
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Take about two-thirds of the hominy mixture and press it into the bottom and sides of the greased ramekins or casserole dish to form a crust.
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In a separate bowl, combine diced leftover pork, beef, or chicken with 2 tablespoons of chipotle salsa marinade, diced tomato, chopped cilantro, 5 raisins, and 3 chopped green olives.
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Season the filling mixture with ground cinnamon and cumin to taste, stirring well to distribute the spices.
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Spoon the savory filling evenly into the prepared ramekins or casserole dish.
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Top the filling with the remaining one-third of the hominy mixture, spreading it gently to cover the filling completely.
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Cover each ramekin tightly with aluminum foil, or cover the casserole dish securely.
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Place the ramekins in a larger baking pan and fill the pan with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins (bain-marie method).
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Bake for 1 hour, or until the hominy is set and heated through.
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Remove from the water bath, uncover, and let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 180.4kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 20.0g31%
- Saturated Fat 7.8g39%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 0.0mg0%
- Total Carbohydrate 0.0g0%
- Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
- Sugars 0.0g
- Protein 0.0g0%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
