Masa For Tamales (with masa harina)

If you love tamales but don’t have access to fresh masa from the grocery store, then this post is for you. All you need is a few simple ingredients to make the best masa!

Masa Harina (masa flour) is a traditional ingredient in Mexican cuisine. It is used to make tamales, corn tortillas, and a variety of other Mexican dishes.

The flour comes from a dry dough, which is made from corn that has been specially treated. Making masa flour can be a cumbersome task and it’s usually sold ready to use.

On this post, I’ll show you how to make Masa for tamales from scratch!

I used this masa to make Tamales Verdes with Green Chile, Corn and Cheese. Check them out!

Masa Ingredients

Are you ready to make the best homemade masa ever? Here is what you will need to get started (it makes 3 lbs & 4 oz of masa):

• Masa Harina like Maseca. This is the most popular brand but there are others as well. Just look for one that says masa harina on the bag.
• Vegetable shortening or lard – at room temperature.
  • Traditionally pork fat it’s used on tamales but vegetable shortening delivers the same consistency without the saturated fats.
  • Don’t use oil. For best tamales you need a solid vegetable shortening or lard.
• Baking powder
• Table salt – for this recipe don’t use kosher or sea salt as we need a fine grain salt.
• Broth – Use beef, chicken or vegetable for vegetarian/vegan tamales . It should be at room temperature. It should not be hot since it will melt the shortening too fast and it won’t reach the perfect consistency.

*see bottom of post for exact recipe measurements in recipe card.

How to make masa for tamales

Knead the shortening/lard:

• In a large bowl, add the shortening/lard and knead with your hands, a hand mixer or a stand mixer.

If kneading by hand, it will take about 15 to 20 minutes to reach the perfect consistency. If kneading with a mixer, beat for 5 minutes on medium speed.

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How do you know when the shortening is ready? The consistency will be lighter and clearer.

Knead the masa harina:

1. When the shortening is ready, add the half of the masa harina, baking powder and salt. Knead/mix to integrate.
2. When it’s crumbly add 1/3 of the broth and knead/mix until integrated.
3. Add the remaining masa harina and integrate.
4. Add 1/3 broth and integrate. Then add the remaining of the broth and knead for another 15 minutes by hand or 6 to 8 minutes at medium powder in mixer.

Note: When using a hand mixer, I like to finish the last part of kneading by hand so that I don’t burn the mixer’s motor.

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How to make vegetarian/vegan masa for tamales

Fortunately this recipe can easily be made into vegetarian/vegan masa! Use vegetable shortening and vegetable broth to make a delicious masa. The flavors don’t change much when you use these substitutes as the main flavor comes from the masa harina.

The you can proceed to add your favorite vegetable fillings to make delicious vegetarian and vegan tamales!

How to store

To store prepared masa, place in an airtight container or freezer bags in refrigerator for up to 3 days.

The dry masa harina lasts between 8 and 10 months stored in a cool, dark place, such as the pantry, fridge or even in the freezer.

What is the difference between prepared and unprepared masa?

Prepared masa usually already has been mixed with lard or vegetable shortening, broth salt & baking powder. Just like recipe in this post.

Unprepared masa is usually just the ground corn in a solid form. Then you can add the ingredients to prepare it for the tamales. The unprepared masa can also be used to make sopes, corn tortillas and tlacoyos.

Other questions people also ask: