La Magia de los Tamales: A Holiday Staple with Heart (Plus an Easy Recipe!)

If you grew up in a Mexican household, you know tamales season hits different. The smell of masa, the sound of hojas soaking, la abuela shouting “¡voltea la olla!” it’s not just food, it’s culture. At TShirtandco, we celebrate the traditions that keep our raíces alive in the USA, and nothing brings us closer to home than a warm tamal freshly out of the steamer.

Whether you're making them for Christmas, Año Nuevo, Las Posadas, or just craving a taste of home, here’s a simple, family-approved recipe you can try this season.

⭐ Why Tamales Are More Than Just Food

Tamales are tiny bundles filled with flavor and wrapped in memories. They symbolize:

• Family — making tamales is teamwork!

• Tradition — a recipe passed down from generation to generation.

• Community — because nobody makes just “a few” tamales.

This is exactly the spirit behind TShirtandco — celebrating cultura, language, humor, and identity through apparel that feels like home.

🌽 Easy Tamales Recipe You Can Make at Home

Ingredients

For the masa:

• 4 cups masa harina

• 3 cups warm chicken broth

• 1 cup manteca or vegetable shortening

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp salt

For the filling (choose one):

• Red pork: shredded pork + red chile sauce

• Green chicken: shredded chicken + salsa verde

• Cheese & jalapeño: queso fresco + sliced jalapeños

Other essentials:

• Corn husks, soaked in warm water for at least 30 minutes

Instructions

1. Prepare the Corn Husks

Soak the hojas in warm water until they’re soft and flexible.

2. Make the Masa

In a large bowl, beat the manteca until fluffy.Add masa harina, baking powder, salt, and slowly pour in the warm broth.Mix until the masa is soft and spreadable — not too wet, not too dry.

3. Add the Filling

Spread 1–2 tablespoons of masa onto the smooth side of a corn husk.Add your favorite filling in the center.Fold the sides inward and then fold the bottom upward to seal.

4. Steam the Tamales

Place tamales upright in a steamer. Steam for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the masa easily pulls away from the husk.

🌶️ Tips to Make Your Tamales Even Better

• Use homemade broth if possible — the flavor hits different.

• Don’t overspread the masa; thin and even is key.

• Add a coin or small bowl upside down at the bottom of your pot — you’ll hear rattling if your water runs low.

❤️ Tamales + Cultura + Style

As you enjoy your tamales, don’t forget to check out our culturally inspired apparel at TShirtandco. Our designs celebrate Spanglish, familia, humor, and that orgullo that comes from being Mexican in the USA.

Just like tamales, our brand is made with love, tradición, y mucho sazón.