need help with tamale wraps
I've only been making tamales a short time, but I'm wonderfing if there is something you can wrap them in besides the husks? I'm probably too lazy to live, but sorting the things is just getting to be too much. All the brands I've found locally, vary hugely. two or three of the perfect size and the rest usually either to small or big enough to use as a bed cover, obviously the big ones arent the problem, the tiny ones are. Is there a good brand anyone knows of that are fairly uniform, or can I wrap them in something else, I think I remember Bobby Flay wrapping them in parchment paper os something on one episode of Iron Chef. Any suggestions are helpful.
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9 Comments:
You can wrap them in any edible leaf-husk (banana, kale, corn, etc.), parchment or even foil.
Please note that the leaf you choose imparts it's own special flavor to the tamale. Foil and parchment will not.
CJ McD at 1:13PM on 06/17/09
Bobby Flay aside, isn't a major part the charm of tamales the ritual of unfolding that pretty corn husk or banana leaf? I would think that tamales would truly have to have gotten to be daily fare for you if you're at the point where parchment (yawn) or aluminum foil (industrial yawn) would be satisfying.
Paradoxically, in parts of the latin world where tamales ARE daily fare, and they probably couldn't care less about the wrapper, corn husks and banana leaves of the right size are abundant and far cheaper than parchment or aluminum foil.
Lorenzo at 1:29PM on 06/17/09
with the tiny ones, you just overlap two & use them.
dmarina at 1:51PM on 06/17/09
I agree the husks do add a nice flavor, I guess I'll just have to suck it up and deal LOL maybe I'll put a stool in the kitchen to wrap them. for some reason the idea of using parchment or foil just doesnt appeal. Thanks all!! As always I can count on SE'rs to help me out.
huneybumper at 2:04PM on 06/17/09
You could start saving and drying husks from fresh corn on the cob or use fresh husks, including some of the fresh corn to your tamales for an incredibly delicious addition.
CJ McD at 2:21PM on 06/17/09
that's a great idea CJ, last time I made them I used fresh husks to tie my wrappers. Unfortunately when I make tamales I make a huge batch and with just two of us SO and I cant eat that much corn. lol I've even been making "Italian tamales" and "chinese tamales" I know not hoyle but they are tasty. SO's family is requesting tamales for the fourth for fmil's b day so I'm making 3 coolers worth to take with us.
huneybumper at 2:47PM on 06/17/09
cj - kale wrapped tamales? sounds neat
joyyy at 3:47PM on 06/17/09
dmarina's right, just combine the small leaves and it works, use the masa like glue kind of and make sure they overlap. are you making all these by yourself? invite some friends over to help fill the tamales and make some wine spritzers, and it goes by in no time.
billyburgwife at 7:19PM on 06/17/09
honeybumper-
Three cooler's worth? Where's the party? I'll meet you there! ;o)
CJ McD at 1:22PM on 06/18/09