California Avocado-Citrus Tamales With Roasted Pepper and Chipotle Pesto

California Avocado-Citrus Tamales With Roasted Pepper & Chipotle Pesto Recipe - Authentic Mexican Cuisine

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

California Avocado-Citrus Tamales With Roasted Pepper and Chipotle Pesto is a unique and flavorful dish that combines traditional tamale ingredients with a modern twist. The creamy avocado, tangy citrus, and spicy chipotle pesto create a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion.

History

Tamales have been a staple in Mexican cuisine for centuries, with variations of the dish being enjoyed throughout Central and South America. The addition of California avocados, citrus, and roasted peppers to the traditional tamale recipe adds a fresh and vibrant flavor profile that is sure to impress.

Ingredients

4 cups prepared masa (Prepared masa is sold at Mexican markets and some grocery stores)
0.5 tbsp cayenne
2 tbsp tangerine zest, grated
0.25 cup pine nuts
8 corn husks, soaked until soft
1 avocado, sliced into 8 even pieces
For pesto
2 red bell peppers, roasted, peeled and seeded
2 tbsp white wine vinegar
2 tbsp water
4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp canned chipotle chilies
1 oz (28 g) pine nuts
2 tbsp cilantro, chopped
salt, to taste
To Serve
4 corn husks
2 avocados, peeled and halved
tangerine zest
red bell pepper, julienned

How to prepare

Place the prepared masa in a bowl.
Add Cayenne, tangerine zest, and pine nuts. Mix well.
Spread the masa mixture over the center of each soaked corn husk.
Place an avocado slice in the center of the masa in each husk and fold the sides around, then fold the bottom up.
When finished with all 8 tamales, steam them over boiling water, covered, for one hour.
Remove the husks before serving.
For the Roasted Red Pepper and Chipotle Pesto, combine the ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth but still textured. Warm gently before serving.
To serve the tamales, spread the pesto over the bottom half of each plate.
Tie one end of a corn husk with a thin strip of husk to form a fan shape.
Place a fan on each plate with the tied end in the center.
Place one whole tamale on the husk and half a tamale on either side.
Slice avocados and arrange the slices in fan shapes over the sauce.
Garnish with tangerine zest and red pepper.
Note: Prepared masa is sold at Mexican markets and some grocery stores.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or shrimp to the tamales for a protein boost.
Substitute the avocado with mango for a tropical twist.
Use different types of citrus, such as grapefruit or blood orange, for a unique flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Soak the corn husks in warm water for at least 30 minutes before assembling the tamales to ensure they are pliable and easy to work with.

- Steam the tamales over boiling water for one hour to ensure they are cooked through and have a tender texture.

- Make sure to blend the pesto ingredients until smooth but still textured for the perfect consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the tamales with a side of Mexican rice and black beans for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Steaming the tamales ensures they are cooked through and have a tender texture.

- Roasting the red peppers adds a smoky flavor to the pesto.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute the pine nuts with almonds or walnuts.

- Use poblano peppers instead of red peppers for a milder pesto.

Make Ahead Tips

The tamales can be assembled ahead of time and steamed just before serving for a convenient meal option.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the tamales on a platter and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve the tamales with a crisp white wine or a refreshing margarita for the perfect pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover tamales in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or steam until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of California Avocado-Citrus Tamales contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of California Avocado-Citrus Tamales contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of California Avocado-Citrus Tamales contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of California Avocado-Citrus Tamales contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

California Avocado-Citrus Tamales are rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin E, potassium, and folate.

Alergens

This recipe contains pine nuts and avocado, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

California Avocado-Citrus Tamales are a nutritious and delicious dish that is rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

California Avocado-Citrus Tamales With Roasted Pepper and Chipotle Pesto is a delicious and unique dish that is sure to impress. The creamy avocado, tangy citrus, and spicy pesto create a flavorful combination that is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this dish with family and friends for a memorable meal experience.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. It was a beautiful spring day, and I was browsing through a cookbook at a local farmer's market. The vibrant colors of the California Avocado-Citrus Tamales with Roasted Pepper and Chipotle Pesto caught my eye immediately. I could almost taste the tangy citrus and creamy avocado blending together in perfect harmony, wrapped in a warm, fluffy tamale and topped with a spicy chipotle pesto. I knew I had to learn how to make this dish.

I asked the vendor at the market if she knew how to make the tamales, and she told me that her grandmother had taught her the recipe many years ago. She graciously offered to share the recipe with me, and I eagerly accepted. The next day, I set out to gather all the ingredients I would need to make the tamales.

I started by roasting the bell peppers over an open flame until the skin was charred and blistered. The smell of the peppers as they roasted filled my kitchen with a smoky, sweet aroma. While the peppers cooled, I prepared the masa dough for the tamales, mixing together cornmeal, broth, and a generous amount of California avocado. The creamy texture of the avocado added a richness to the dough that I had never experienced before.

Once the peppers were cool enough to handle, I peeled off the charred skin and chopped them into small pieces. I added the peppers to a blender along with chipotle peppers, garlic, cilantro, and lime juice to make a spicy pesto that would complement the tamales perfectly. The aroma of the pesto as it blended together was intoxicating, with hints of smoky chipotle and fresh citrus filling the air.

As I assembled the tamales, I spooned the avocado masa dough onto corn husks and topped it with a spoonful of the roasted pepper and chipotle pesto. I carefully wrapped the tamales and steamed them until they were cooked through and the flavors had melded together perfectly. The moment I took my first bite of the California Avocado-Citrus Tamales with Roasted Pepper and Chipotle Pesto, I knew that I had found a new favorite recipe.

Over the years, I have made these tamales for countless family gatherings and dinner parties, always receiving rave reviews from everyone who tries them. I have shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, passing down the tradition of making these delicious tamales to the next generation.

Each time I make the tamales, I am reminded of that spring day at the farmer's market when I first discovered the recipe. The vibrant colors, bold flavors, and comforting warmth of the tamales bring me joy and satisfaction every time I prepare them. I am grateful to the vendor who shared her grandmother's recipe with me, and I will always treasure the memories I have created while cooking these tamales for my loved ones.

As I sit down to enjoy a plate of California Avocado-Citrus Tamales with Roasted Pepper and Chipotle Pesto, I am filled with a sense of contentment and gratitude. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share my love of food with those around me. The tamales may be just a recipe, but to me, they represent so much more – they are a connection to the past, a celebration of tradition, and a symbol of love and nourishment. And for that, I am truly thankful.