How to Steam Tamales in the Oven

Ingredients

• Tamales (homemade or store-bought)

• Water

• A large baking pan or roasting dish with a lid

• Aluminum foil

• Optional: Cornhusk or parchment paper

Instructions:

1. Prepare the baking pan.

• Pour 1-2 inches of water into a large baking pan or roasting dish.

• Place a steamer rack or colander inside the pan, ensuring it is slightly elevated above the water. You can also crumple aluminum foil into balls and spread them on the bottom of the pan to elevate the steaming rack/colander.

• Cover the pan with aluminum foil to trap the steam.

2. Arrange the tamales.

• Remove the husks from the tamales if they are not already open.

• Place the tamales vertically, open-side up, in the steamer rack or colander, making sure they are not overcrowding the pan.

3. Cover and steam.

• Cover the pan with the prepared aluminum foil.

• Place the pan in the oven, and start by steaming the tamales for about 30-45 minutes at 350°F (177°C). The steaming time may vary depending on the size and type of tamales, so check for doneness before removing from the oven.

• For extra flavor and moisture, add a flavorful liquid such as chicken or vegetable broth to the water in the pan.

4. Check and serve.

• After about 30 minutes, check the tamales to see if they are cooked. To do this, carefully remove one tamale from the center of the pan and open the husk slightly. The masa inside should be firm and pull away from the husk easily.

• If the masa is not firm or still appears doughy, continue steaming for another 10-15 minutes.

5. Rest and enjoy.

• Once the tamales are cooked, remove the pan from the oven and carefully take the tamales out of the steamer.

• Leave them to rest for a few minutes before serving to allow them to cool slightly.

Tips:

- If you don't have a steamer rack, you can use a metal colander or even crumpled-up aluminum foil as a makeshift rack.

- Alternatively, you can wrap individual tamales with fresh corn husk or parchment paper before placing them in the steamer basket to keep them from sticking to one another.

- For a crispy corn husk, brush the husks with a bit of oil before steaming.

Enjoy your homemade or store-bought tamales, with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or mole sauce. Steaming tamales in the oven is a simple technique that yields fluffy, flavorful results every time.