Authentic Oaxacan Cheese and Rajas Tamales Recipe
Transport your taste buds to Mexico with these mouthwatering tamales filled with roasted poblano peppers and melty Oaxacan cheese. This authentic recipe combines the smoky heat of poblanos with the creamy, stringy texture of Oaxacan cheese, all wrapped in a light and tender corn masa dough. Perfect for a festive dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish!
Ingredients
- 6 medium poblano peppers
- 1 pound Oaxacan cheese, pulled into thin strips approximately 3-inches long
- 1 recipe basic tamale dough
- 3 dozen dried corn husks, soaked in water for at least 1 hour
- Salsa verde, for serving
Directions
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Roast and Prepare the Poblano Peppers
Fire up your stove, grill, or broiler! Roast those poblanos until they’re charred and blackened all over. Once they’re done, pop them in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let them steam and cool for about 10-15 minutes. Now for the fun part – use paper towels to rub off that charred skin. Don’t forget to remove the stems and seeds too. Slice your peppers into strips about 1/4 inch thick and 2-3 inches long. These flavorful strips are called “rajas” and they’re the star of our show!
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Assemble Your Tamales
Time to get your hands dirty! Grab a corn husk and spread about 2-3 tablespoons of that delicious tamale dough on the larger end. Aim for a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Now, place a few strips of your roasted poblanos and some stringy Oaxacan cheese right down the center of the dough. Fold the sides of the husk over so the dough wraps around the filling, then fold up the bottom. Secure your little package by tying it with a thin strip from another husk. Repeat this process until you’ve used up all your ingredients. It’s like wrapping delicious, edible presents!
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Steam Your Tamales to Perfection
Let’s get steamy! Fill a large pot with an inch of water and bring it to a boil. Stand your tamales upright in a steamer insert or on a rack above the water level. Cover and let them steam for about an hour, or until the dough is cooked through and easily pulls away from the husk. Once they’re done, remove them from the steamer and let them rest for about 15 minutes. This helps the dough firm up a bit.
Serving and Storing Your Tamales
Serve these incredible tamales immediately with some zesty salsa verde on the side. If you’re not devouring them all at once (we won’t judge if you do!), you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, these tamales freeze beautifully for up to four months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply defrost and reheat in a steamer until they’re warmed through, or pop them in the microwave on high for 2 minutes.
Pro Tips for Perfect Tamales
- When roasting your poblanos, don’t be afraid to get them really charred. This adds incredible flavor!
- If you can’t find Oaxacan cheese, you can substitute with mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
- Make sure your corn husks are well-soaked before using. This prevents them from cracking when you’re assembling the tamales.
- Don’t overfill your tamales! It might be tempting, but too much filling can make them difficult to close and cook properly.
Nutritional Facts
| Nutrition Facts (per serving) | |
|---|---|
| 310 | Calories |
| 18g | Fat |
| 23g | Carbs |
| 14g | Protein |
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings: 30 | |
| Amount per serving | |
| Calories | 310 |
| % Daily Value* | |
| Total Fat 18g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat 7g | 33% |
| Cholesterol 43mg | 14% |
| Sodium 777mg | 34% |
| Total Carbohydrate 23g | 8% |
| Dietary Fiber 4g | 13% |
| Total Sugars 1g | |
| Protein 14g | |
| Vitamin C 25mg | 126% |
| Calcium 216mg | 17% |
| Iron 1mg | 7% |
| Potassium 240mg | 5% |
| *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. | |
Why You’ll Love These Tamales
These tamales are more than just a meal – they’re a culinary adventure! The combination of smoky roasted poblanos and creamy Oaxacan cheese creates a flavor explosion in every bite. Plus, making tamales is a fun activity that’s perfect for getting the whole family involved in the kitchen. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or just because, these tamales are sure to impress!
Pairing Suggestions
These tamales pair wonderfully with a variety of sides and drinks. Try serving them with:
- A fresh, crisp jicama salad
- Spicy refried beans
- Mexican rice
- A cold Mexican beer or a fruity margarita
Remember, the key to great tamales is patience and love. Take your time with each step, and don’t be afraid to get creative with your fillings. Once you master this recipe, you’ll be making tamales for every occasion!