TamalesV the Greem

Tamales (singular is ‘tamal’ in Spanish) are a Latin American dish that combines pockets of masa (a nixtamalized corn dough), filled with sweet or savory fillings, then wrapped up with corn husks or banana leaves and steamed. While they’re enjoyed year-round, these little ‘present bundles’ are perfect for the holidays, especially Christmas—ready to unwrap, like a present, at the dinner table.


🌽 1 package of dried corn husks
🌽 6 cups of corn masa flour
🌽 6 cups of rich vegetable broth (I used bouillon or better than bouillon + water)
🌽 ¾ cup of vegetable oil (any neutral oil will work) OR veg shortening at room temp
🌽 2 teaspoons of baking powder
🌽 1 ½ teaspoons of garlic powder
🌽 2 teaspoons of salt
🌽 Batch of filling


🧄 1. Pour hot water in a large baking dish or stock pot and add the dried corn husks. Let them sit for 15 to 20 minutes, until they have softened.

🧄 2. Using an electric mixer, beat together the corn flour, vegetable broth, vegetable oil (or shortening), baking powder, garlic powder, and salt. You can also mix it by hand, but it’s a much easier process with an electric mixer.

🧄 3. Pat dry a corn husk, lay it flat, and spread a spoonful of dough to cover most of the corn husk. All corn husks are different sizes, so each tamal may look differently. Once the dough is spread out, add one to two tablespoons of filling vertically to the middle of the tamal. Bring both sides of the corn husks together until the dough seals. Then, close up the husks (see above for photos of how to do it).

🧄 4. In a large stockpot with a steamer basket, add all the tamales and bring water to a boil. Once boiling, lower to a simmer for 45 minutes.


🌯 Adjust the amount of broth used: This can vary between batches based on the masa harina you’re using, the humidity, etc. Start with the amounts provided, then add more veg broth, if needed, until the masa dough is spreadable.

🌯 Have a tamales making party (tamalada): Part of what makes these great to prepare during the holidays is that it’s a great group activity. So put on some music, get the drink of your choice flowing, and set up an assembly line to prepare this vegan tamales recipe in style.

🌯 Batch cook: Since preparing this vegan tamales recipe is pretty time-consuming, make as big a batch as possible and freeze the leftovers for another time. They’ll cook straight from frozen!