The Cuban content creator Inelis Rodríguez (@inelis.rodriguez_) has captivated her followers on TikTok with a clever trick for preparing tamales outside of Cuba, where obtaining corn and corn husks can be nearly impossible.
In her video, Inelis explains how, in the absence of traditional ingredients, she turns to canned corn as a base. She blends it until achieving a smooth dough, to which she adds a Cuban sofrito, made with garlic, onion, pepper, and cumin. To the final mixture, she incorporates a couple of tablespoons of cornmeal to give it body.
It also adds rich chicharrones and little pieces of pork to the tamales. Once everything is mixed, she divides the dough into portions and places them in ziplock-style resealable bags. Then, she shapes them into tamales, wraps them in aluminum foil, and boils them in hot water for several minutes.
The result is surprising: delicious tamales, nicely compact and full of Creole flavor. This method is not only practical but also a testament to the ingenuity of Cubans to keep their traditions alive, no matter where they are in the world.
Have you ever tried making tamales this way? Share your tips with us in the comments!
Frequently Asked Questions About the Cooking Trick for Making Cuban Tamales
How can Cuban tamales be made without the traditional ingredients?
To make Cuban tamales without traditional ingredients, canned corn can be used as a base. Inelis Rodríguez's recipe involves blending the corn until a smooth dough is achieved, adding a Cuban sofrito with garlic, onion, bell pepper, and cumin, along with a couple of tablespoons of cornmeal to give body to the mixture. Then, chicharrones and pork cracklings are incorporated, the mixture is divided into portions, wrapped in aluminum foil, and boiled.
What creative alternatives have Cubans come up with for cooking during the shortage?
In the face of scarcity, Cubans have shown remarkable ingenuity in the kitchen. Examples include using chicken broth for croquettes, using canned corn for tamales, and preparing rice with limited ingredients. These solutions reflect the creativity and resilience of the Cuban people in keeping their culinary traditions alive.
Why is it difficult to find traditional ingredients for Cuban tamales outside of Cuba?
Outside of Cuba, obtaining corn and corn husks can be challenging due to a lack of availability in certain regions. This forces Cubans abroad to seek creative alternatives, such as using canned corn, to recreate their traditional dishes.
What characterizes spontaneous Cuban cooking in the midst of scarcity?
Cuban improvised cooking is characterized by the use of alternative ingredients and creativity to overcome limitations. Examples include the preparation of tamales with canned corn, croquettes made with chicken broth, and dishes prepared in makeshift kitchens with whatever little is available.
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