Swiss Chard Tamales

Name: Swiss Chard Tamales
Prep time: 90 min
Cook time: 40 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Mexicana
Ingredients: vegetable oil, for the sauce; 3/4 cups onion, finely chopped, for the sauce; 1 1/2 cups tomato, finely chopped, for the sauce; 1/2 cups serrano chile, sliced, for the sauce; 1/4 cups cilantro, finely chopped, for the sauce; salt; 3/4 cups vegetable shortening; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 cups corn masa flour, for tamale; water; salt; 2 bunches chard; water, hot; 1 cup Manchego cheese, in strips

Mayte Rueda

These Swiss chard tamales are vegetarian, healthy, easy to prepare, and delicious. Best of all, they are wrapped in Swiss chard leaves and served with a Mexican sauce.

Reviewed by Editorial Team of Kiwilimón

Published: 27-10-2021

Preparation

50 mins

40 mins

Low

Heat a skillet over medium heat and pour in vegetable oil, then add the onion and tomato. Cook for 3 minutes or until it starts to release water; using a kitchen utensil, mash the vegetables to break them down. Then add the chili, cilantro, and season with salt. Cook for 5 more minutes and set aside. For the dough: Beat the vegetable shortening with the salt and baking powder until very soft and fluffy, then gradually add the cornmeal and water, alternating. The texture should be thick but manageable. Set aside. Soak the Swiss chard in hot water for a few seconds to soften them. To assemble the tamales: Place overlapping Swiss chard leaves, then a large spoonful of dough and some strips of cheese. Close the tamales with the leaves and repeat the process until finished. Steam the tamales for approximately 30 minutes; if necessary, wrap them in aluminum. Remove from cooking once the time has elapsed and let them rest for 10 minutes to firm up a bit. Serve the Swiss chard tamales with the sauce and enjoy them.