Green Chili Tamale is essentially a Mexican wrap that uses hot green chillies as an ingredient for the filling. The Green Chilli Tamale like other tamales are labour-intensive and are therefore reserved for preparation only on special occasions when the entire family gets together and the varied tasks like making the filling, stuffing, wrapping, and steaming are divided among different family members. In fact, they are usually prepared in large numbers to be carried back home and enjoyed with family and friends.
History of Tamales
Historically Tamales were the food served by the ancient Aztecs to the Spaniards on their earliest visits to Mexico. Record also indicates that these were commonly carried and consumed by soldiers as they were found to be convenient to heat and eat. They may be stuffed with any meat, seafood, vegetables or a combination of these.
Ingredients and Preparation
Large sized dried corn husks, chopped Serrano chillies, tomatoes, olive oil and low sodium chicken broth are used to prepare the filling for the wrap. Coarsely shredded chicken may be used in making Green Chilli Chicken Tamales. Dough needs to be prepared using vegetable shortening, salt, baking powder, corn masa dough (made with corn tortilla mix and warm water). Through a highly technique driven process, the dough is spread on the opened husks, filling is neatly arranged in and then tamales are wrapped up carefully before placing in a steamer basket. The Green Chilli Tamales are placed upright in the steamer and subjected to a process of steam cooking, till the dough firms up and separates readily from the husk. Green chilli Tamales are best when served steaming hot although they may be stored and served later too.
Nutritional Value
On an average, a serving of Green Chilli Tamale ~ 90 g would deliver:
• 148.5 calories with 118 calories from fat
• Total Fat content is 11.0 g with 3.6 g saturated fat, polyunsaturated fat is 0.9 g and monounsaturated fat is 2.3 g.
• Cholesterol is 13.3 mg.
• Sodium 182.9 mg and Potassium 241.6 mg
• Total carbohydrate content of 1.8 g with dietary fibre content of 0.2 g and 0.7 g sugars.
• Protein content of 6.2 g.
Nutritional Improvements
Since different fillings may be used, leafy greens, fresh fish bits, crunchy nuts or tasty veggies can easily merge with the green chilli in the tamale to enhance the fibre, iron, unsaturated healthy omega-3 fats, Vitamin E, B- Vitamins, as well as other vitamins, minerals and antioxidant values.
Best Place to Buy Green Chilli Tamales
They are excellent at “Progresso Tamale Parlour”, the Mexican Restaurant located at 230 Third Street, Hollister, CA, in San Benito County.
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