Black Bean Corn Tamales

4 from 1 ratings

Fresh corn is puréed with Mexican corn flour and vegetable broth as black beans and corn kernels are seasoned with red onion and chili powder. Wrapping these tamales in their corn husk package is a great party activity and almost as much fun as chowing down on these black bean beauties. This recipe comes to us from Lindsay of Cook. Vegan. Lover. See all tamale recipes.

Servings

servings

Ingredients

18 corn husks, dried
3 cup corn kernels from the cob or 3 cups frozen corn, thawed
2 cup masa harina*
1/2 cup vegetable broth, warmed
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoon canola oil, plus more to taste
1 red onion, diced
one 32-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 teaspoon chili powder
salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Place the corn husks in a bowl of water to soften for about 10 minutes. Drain and rinse well. Pat dry and set aside.
Place 2 ½ cups of the corn kernels in the bowl of a food processor and pulse until puréed. Combine the puréed corn, masa harina, vegetable broth, baking powder, salt, and canola oil in a large bowl. Mix together with your hands until all of the ingredients are evenly distributed and the mixture has a dough-like consistency.
Prepare a frying pan with a light layer of canola oil or cooking spray over medium-high heat. Add the onion, black beans, and the remaining ½ cup of corn kernels to the pan. Season the corn-black bean mixture with the chili powder and salt and pepper, to taste. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Preheat a steamer or set a large double boiler over medium-high heat.
Place about 3 tablespoons of the masa harina mixture in the center of a corn husk. Flatten the masa harina dough with your hand to form a ¼-inch-thick disk. Place about 1 tablespoon of corn-bean filling inside each disk. Fold the long side of the corn husk over the filling to cover and fold the ends together, overlapping. Tear a thin strip for one of the extra soaked corn husks. Tie the tamale together using the thin strip. Repeat 13 times, or until you are out of masa harina flour and black bean corn filling.
Layer the 14 black bean corn tamales over each other in the other in the steamer or double boiler. Cover with a damp kitchen towel and steam until the tamales are heated through, about 50-60 minutes. Divide into 7 servings and enjoy.