Basic Tamale Dough

Basic Tamale Dough

Miz Helen's Kitchen

Makes 12 Tamale

2 cups Masa Harina

2 cups Boiling Water

11 tablespoons vegetable shortening or Lard chilled

1 1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon Cayenne pepper

1/2 cup chicken stock, chilled

• • In a mixer with paddle attachment mix the Masa Harina, cumin, and Cayenne pepper

  • Add the boiling water in a steady stream to the mixing bowl while the mixer is on medium speed. Continue to mix until the dough forms a ball. Continue to mix for five minutes.

  • Transfer the dough ball to a clean bowl and refrigerate the dough for one hour.

  • Returning the dough to the mixer, beat the dough on medium to high for five more minutes.

  • With the mixer running add the vegetable shortening 2 tablespoons at a time and mix well with each addition until the entire shortening amount has been added and the mixture is smooth.

  • Combine the salt baking powder and chilled Chicken stock, slowing adding the mixture to the dough while the mixer is running. Mix until thoroughly combined.