Meaty Tamal Casserole (Cazuela de Tamal) Recipe

Publish date: 2024-08-12
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This is a hearty, filling dish. The masa dough makes a sturdy crust for the savory-sweet meat filling enlivened by cloves, cinnamon, raisins and olives.

The meat filling can be made a day in advance, covered and refrigerated. The unbaked casserole can be assembled, covered tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerated for up to 2 days, then brought to room temperature. Or wrap well and freeze: To reheat, allow it to defrost in the refrigerator overnight, then let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before baking.

From Patricia Jinich, chef at the Mexican Cultural Institute.

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Ingredients

measuring cup

Servings: 10-12 

For the dough

For the filling

Directions

  • Step 1

    For the dough: Place the vegetable shortening or lard in the bowl of a stand mixer; beat on medium speed for about 3 minutes, until it is light and airy. Stop to scrape down the sides of the bowl.

  • Step 2

    Add the salt and baking powder; on low speed, gradually add the corn masa flour and the broth in alternating additions, making sure each time that the addition is well incorporated. Beat for about 10 minutes to form a masa dough that is homogeneous and fluffy. Let the dough sit at room temperature while you make the filling.

  • Step 3

    For the filling: Heat a comal (tortilla griddle) or skillet over medium heat. Add the guajillo and ancho peppers; toast them for about 15 seconds per side, until they become more pliable, lightly toasted and fragrant and their inner skin turns opaque. Transfer to a medium saucepan and cover with at least 2 cups of hot water. Cook over medium-low heat for about 15 minutes, or until the peppers have rehydrated, plumped up and softened.

  • Step 4

    Transfer the peppers and 2 cups of the liquid to a blender and add the oregano, cloves, cinnamon and cumin. Remove the center knob from the blender lid and cover the opening with a dish towel to contain splash-ups. Puree to form a smooth sauce. The yield is 2 1/2 to 2 3/4 cups.

  • Step 5

    Heat the oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring continuously, until the onions are cooked through and beginning to brown at the edges. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, less than a minute, then add the ground meat, salt and black pepper. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally and using a spoon to break up the meat, until it has lightly browned. Add the sauce, the broth, raisins, almonds and olives, stirring to combine; reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet and cook for 20 minutes. Uncover, stir and cook uncovered for 5 minutes.

  • Step 6

    Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Use a little vegetable oil to grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish or the equivalent.

  • Step 7

    Spoon half of the prepared masa dough into the dish, forming a bit of a lip on the sides and gently leveling it out; don't press hard. Spoon all of the meat filling on top. Cover evenly with the remainiing dough. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour or until the masa is completely cooked and the top appears to be firm. Remove from the oven and let it sit, covered, for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

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    Nutritional Facts

    Per serving (based on 12)

    This analysis is an estimate based on available ingredients and this preparation. It should not substitute for a dietitian’s or nutritionist’s advice.

    From Patricia Jinich, chef at the Mexican Cultural Institute.

    Tested by Sarah Meyer Walsh.

    Published February 14, 2012

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