21 Different Types Of Tamales You Are Definitely Eating For The Next Few Months Because Leftovers
For many Latinos, tamales represent more than just a dish served during the holidays. For some, it might symbolize memories of spending hours pulling masa with family or eating tamales weeks after Navidad. They are beloved in Mexico and beyond, and with good reason. They are soft, warm, tasty, delicious treats, and good for almost any occasion, special or otherwise. Not to mention that you are porbably eating one today for lunch and nother for dinner because there are so many left over from your holiday celebrations.
1. Burnt Strawberry Tamales
Courtesy of Chef Carlos Salgaldo, these delicious tamales are made by cooking strawberries into a skillet, then mixing them into a buttery masa filling. This is tasty twist on your traditional tamales that strawberry lovers can enjoy. This is a dish that can be easily be tried making at home this holiday season with family and friends.
2. Pollo Con Mole Poblano Tamale
This tamale dish can be found in the heart of Dallas, Texas at Urban Taco, a Mexican restaurant that is taking a new spin on what “traditional” is. The Pollo Con Mole Poblano Tamale is a tasty delicacy that fans of mole will certainly enjoy. It’s origins date back to Oaxaca, where mole is one of the regions most famous dishes. This should definitely be on your radar next time you’re in the heart of Texas.
3. Chicken Tamales with Tomatillo-Cilantro Salsa
Cilantro can pack any dish with much needed flavor and that’s the case here with the chicken tamales with Tomatillo-Cilantro salsa. This Mexican-inspired dish is a nice flavorful addition to a traditional tamale with it’s tomato cilantro sauce.
4. Apple Butternut Squash Tamale (Vegan)
If meat in your tamale isn’t your thing then this vegan tamale might be your go-to this holiday season. Sunny Side Tamales in Downey, CA makes these tasty tamales and are a great healthy alternative that includes apples, butternut squash and walnuts. This should help keep your holiday dieta goals in tact this year.
5. Hot Cheeto Tamale
Say hello to the Hot Cheeto tamale! A creation many didn’t think was possible but here it is ready to spice up your holidays. A creation from Fatima’s Grill in Downey, CA, this tamale packs a spicy punch that only Hot Cheetos can give. Drizzled with nacho cheese and Hot Cheeto crumbles, this tamale will have you licking your fingers right after.
6. Gansito Tamale
Gansito snacks filled your childhood with so many delicious memories it’s no surprise that it’s now paired with tamales. Just thinking about the strawberry masa and chocolate Gansito inside makes your mouth water. Churrito Loco located in Moreno Valley, CA sells these delicacies and have already become quite a hit. I’m sure this is one tamale many people will try making at home this holiday season.
7. Strawberry & Cream Cheese Tamale
Strawberry and Cream Cheese are a great combination alone but combining them into a tamale? Oh yeah! This tamale is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and your stomach. Magaly’s Tamales and Mexican Grill is the proud creator of this tasty treat and have managed to merge together two of our favorite snacks into one.
8. Tamales de Chocolate y Nuez
What’s not to love here with the as a chocolate based masa takes place of your traditional corn base. With a hint of chile and lightly sweetened with piloncillo, the Tamales de Chocolate y Nuez is sweet treat that every Latino can enjoy. Filled with pecans and chocolate chips these tamales would taste great with a side of cafecito this Navidad.
9. Bean Cheese and Potato Tamale
Sometimes you just got to keep things simple and that applies here with the Bean Cheese and Potato Tamale. These Mexican inspired tamales have an added kick with the addition of Chipotle peppers in Adobo sauce that pack a serious flavorful punch. These are a quick and tasty reiteration of your traditional tamale that everyone in the family will be snacking on.
10. Cookies N’ Cream Tamale
These tasty treat has people buzzing across the internet and rightfully so. Combining chocolate and tamale is nothing new, so this Mexican restaurant took it to the next level with the Cookies N’ Cream Tamale! Filled with Oreo cream stuffing and a chocolate masa, this tamale might already have you drooling just thinking about it.
11. Spinach Corn Elote
Looking for something a little on the healthier side? The spinach and corn tamale might just be for you. Filled with cheese, spinach and corn, this tamale has all your essentials when looking for something a little lighter for the holidays. It also works great for vegan only eaters in your family.
12. Black Bean Tamale
Black beans are some of the healthiest types of beans filled with protein and iron that are an essential part of any diet. These black bean tamales are great for vegetarians and vegans as well. The tamale is filled with black beans, onion and a chipotle seasoned masa that will surely please your taste buds.
13. Portobello and Polenta Tamales
Wrapped with a corn husk, the portobello and polenta tamale tastes as good as it looks. The distinguishing part of this tamale isn’t just the corn husk but the addition of portobello mushroom that adds a kick. Highly recommend this plate if having friends over and want to impress this holiday season.
14. Chile Rojo Tamale
You can’t beat a classic and that’s the case here with the Chile Rojo tamale that many of us grew up eating. Filled with pork, chicken or sometimes beef, the Chile Rojo tamale is a holiday essential. Try adding cilantro or adding some corn to add some more kick into it.
15. Smoky Fiesta Black Bean Tamale
Here’s another healthy option for vegetarian and vegans eaters with the Smoky Fiesta Black Bean Tamale. Mixed in with green chilies and red bell peppers, it’s hard to not want to try this tamale. Try adding some chipotle sauce to dip in to add even more flavor.
16. Pico de Gallo Green Chile Tamale
Pico de Gallo is traditionally used for dipping when it comes to your chips but here it’s part of the main dish, Smothered with cilantro, green chile, and crema ranchera, it’s going to feel like taking a bit out of a burrito. Shane’s Tamales, a vegan tamale vendor in Los Angeles, is behind this dish and works for vegan eaters as well.
17. Sweet Pina Tamale
Candy tamales are nothing new but Tamales Doña Tere has managed to put together quite a spin on it. The Sweet Pina tamale grabs your attention with it pink coloring but the real treat is inside with its sweet taste. There are multiple locations across the U.S. if you want to try this and other specialty tamales.
18. Chipotle Sweet Potato Tamale
Sweet Potato Fries are a healthier alternative to traditional french fries and this is the case here with the Chipotle Sweet Potato Tamale. With more people seeking alternatives when it comes to traditional tamales, sweet potatoes work here as a great and tasty substitute.
19. Chicken Tamale Pizza
While this technically isn’t a “tamale” it has everything a tamale lover can appreciate including a crust! If you want to impress family and friends this holiday with something unique, this might be it. It also works as a gluten-free option and as always meat is optional.
20. Tamale Colordado
The Tamale Colorado is one of the most popular version of the tamale for Guatemalans and is traditionally eaten on Saturdays. The tamale has a dark red savory sauce and contains chicken, pork, or beef alongside green olives. One way to recognize this tamale is with its traditional green wrapping that is seen in most Central American versions of the tamale.
21. Tamal de Carne en Mole
The Tamal de Carne en Mole is one of the best-looking tamales out there and is a specialty that everyone should taste. Cooked in mole rojo and filled with cheese and bell peppers, it’s a perfect combination for mole and tamale lovers.
