The holiday season is nearly upon us and it seems reasonable to borrow winning traditions from various cultures.
I'm a big fan of tamales but, being a vegetarian, it is difficult to find great examples as masa is usually a lard production. I had almost given up on finding them when my parents came through with large order from Tamale Molly of Santa Fe, New Mexico.
You can get them at the store, in a few specialty stores (Whole Foods), or have them FedEx'ed anywhere in the world. Going the later route is expensive, but worth it ... you get frozen uncooked tamales that can be steamed to yumminess in about a half hour.
There are two varieties - vegan masa with olive oil and a heathen variety with a butter based masa.
Pine Nut with Jack Cheese, Cilantro and Green Chili
Mushroom and Jack Cheese
Squash with Tomato and Fresh Oregano
Blue Corn and Mixed Fresh Herbs
New Mexico Goat Cheese and Mint
Vegan Red Chili with Peppers and Olives
Vegan Chard and Shallots
Vegan Black Bean with Chipotle Chile
Honey Pecan with Raisin, Lemon and Cinnamon
Mexican Chocolate and Almond
I will personally vouch for the Blue Corn, Vegan Red Chilli, Vegan Black Bean and the rather amazing Honey Pecan. (we had the honey pecan recently and they make a fine desert by themselves - they would probably be wonderful with a bit of cream or cinnamon ice cream)
Homemade tamales are a very difficult process and I suspect one has to have been brought up in the culture to really get them right. Going with Tamale Molly is easy and has the added benefit that the company is socially responsible with all profits going to hunger relief charities.
6:55:35 AM 
|
