Hot Tamale Balls

Hot Tamale Balls Recipe from Mexico - Beef and Pork Tamale Balls

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 10

Introduction

Hot Tamale Balls are a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the flavors of ground beef, pork, and spices in a tasty meatball form. These meatballs are simmered in a rich tomato sauce, creating a hearty and satisfying meal.

History

Hot Tamale Balls have roots in traditional Mexican cuisine, where tamales are a popular dish made with masa dough and filled with various meats and spices. This recipe takes inspiration from the flavors of tamales, but in a more convenient and bite-sized form.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) ground beef
1 lb (454 g) ground pork
4 cloves garlic, chopped
2 cans whole tomatoes
1.5 cups cornmeal
0.5 cup flour
2 tbsp chili powder
0.75 cup tomato juice
1 salt & pepper to taste

How to prepare

Re-grind the meat (although it is not necessary as the store-bought ground meat is usually already re-ground multiple times, it is important to avoid coarsely ground meat). Combine the meats, corn meal, flour, garlic, salt, juice, and pepper. Shape the mixture into approximately 200 small meatballs (using a small ice-cream scoop is recommended). In a separate bowl, mix together tomatoes, chili powder, salt, and pepper according to your taste. Bring the mixture to a boil. Add the meatballs, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for 2 hours.

Variations

Add diced jalapenos for a spicy kick.
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork for a lighter version.
Top with shredded cheese before serving.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to re-grind the meat to ensure a smooth and uniform texture in the meatballs.

- Use a small ice-cream scoop to shape the meatballs for a consistent size and shape.

- Let the meatballs simmer in the tomato sauce for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Hot Tamale Balls can be served with rice, beans, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the meatballs in the tomato sauce to allow the flavors to develop.

- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatballs are cooked through.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use instant polenta instead of cornmeal.

- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

Make Ahead Tips

Hot Tamale Balls can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Hot Tamale Balls in a bowl with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Hot Tamale Balls pair well with a cold beer or a glass of red wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Hot Tamale Balls contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Hot Tamale Balls contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Hot Tamale Balls contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Hot Tamale Balls contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Hot Tamale Balls are a good source of iron, vitamin C, and vitamin A.

Alergens

Hot Tamale Balls contain gluten from the flour used in the recipe.

Summary

Hot Tamale Balls are a balanced meal with a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are also rich in essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Hot Tamale Balls are a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home. With a rich tomato sauce and flavorful meatballs, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Hot Tamale Balls. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from anyone who would teach me. I had always loved spending time in the kitchen with my mother and grandmother, watching them work their magic with pots and pans, creating delicious meals that brought our family together.

One day, while visiting a friend of my mother's, I noticed a tantalizing aroma wafting from the kitchen. Curious, I asked what she was cooking, and she smiled mischievously before revealing her secret recipe for Hot Tamale Balls. I was immediately intrigued and begged her to show me how to make them. She agreed, and I eagerly watched as she mixed together ground beef, cornmeal, spices, and other ingredients to create the perfect mixture.

As she rolled the mixture into small balls and placed them in a steamer to cook, I could hardly contain my excitement. The smell of the tamales cooking filled the air, and I knew that I had to learn how to make them for myself. After they were done cooking, my mother's friend generously shared her recipe with me, and I couldn't wait to try it out at home.

I rushed back to my own kitchen, determined to recreate the delicious Hot Tamale Balls that I had just tasted. I gathered the ingredients and followed the recipe to the letter, carefully shaping the mixture into small balls and steaming them until they were cooked through. The smell that filled my kitchen was intoxicating, and I knew that I had successfully mastered the art of making Hot Tamale Balls.

From that day on, Hot Tamale Balls became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I would make them for family gatherings, potlucks, and any other occasion that called for a tasty appetizer. The recipe became a beloved tradition in our family, passed down from generation to generation.

Over the years, I have made some modifications to the original recipe, adding my own personal touch with different spices and ingredients. Each time I make Hot Tamale Balls, I am reminded of that fateful day when I first learned how to make them, and the joy that cooking brings to my life.

Now, as a grandmother myself, I take great pleasure in passing on this treasured recipe to my own grandchildren. I watch with pride as they eagerly help me in the kitchen, shaping the mixture into balls and placing them in the steamer to cook. The tradition continues, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share this special recipe with the ones I love.

So, if you ever find yourself craving a delicious and savory appetizer, look no further than my recipe for Hot Tamale Balls. I guarantee that they will be a hit at any gathering, just as they have been for me and my family for so many years. Cooking is a wonderful way to bring people together, and I am thankful for the joy and memories that it has brought into my life.