Ready to celebrate with a delicious, unexpected twist? These pumpkin cranberry tamales take a beloved savory classic and turn it into a dessert that will make your taste buds sing. They're a sweet, festive surprise, perfect for any autumn gathering or for satisfying that pumpkin-spice craving in the most delightful way possible. It's the kind of dish that says "I'm traditional, but I also know how to have fun!"
4cupsmasa harina flourMaseca instant masa flour works well
84gpure maple syrup or pure agave nectar
1tspground nutmeg
2cans425 g each solid-pack pure pumpkin purée
15mlpure vanilla extract
Instructies
Soak the corn husks in warm water for about 2 hours to soften them.
In a large bowl, mix all the filling ingredients together using your hands until well incorporated.
Adjust consistency if needed.
Take one husk at a time, lay it flat with the pointy end away from you, and spread about ¼ cup (45 g) of filling in the center.
Roll up the tamale and fold over the pointy end.
Repeat for all tamales.
Place the steamer basket on its side and stack the tamales tightly inside.
Set it upright in the steamer pot.
Add enough water to the pot so it does not touch the tamales.
Cover with a lid.
Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and steam for 2 to 3 hours, checking the water level occasionally.
After 2 hours, remove one tamale, let it cool for 5 minutes, unwrap, and check for doneness.
If needed, steam for another 15 to 30 minutes.
Remove tamales from the pot and let them cool.
Serve immediately or freeze for up to a year.
Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:
These tamales are a fantastic dessert on their own, but if you want to take them to the next level, serve them warm with a generous drizzle of maple syrup. For a truly authentic Mexican experience, pair them with a rich cup of Mexican hot chocolate.
Wine Advice:
Pairing wine with a sweet, spiced tamale is all about finding a partner that can match its festive energy. A late-harvest Riesling is an excellent choice. Its honeyed sweetness and crisp acidity will beautifully complement the sweet pumpkin and tart cranberries, creating a harmonious flavor party in your mouth. If you want to go the traditional route, a sweet Mexican atole (a hot corn and masa beverage) is the perfect non-alcoholic pairing. It's the kind of sweet surrender you'll be happy to make!