Xochimilco Mexican Restaurant: Savory Pork Tamales

Flavorful Pork Filling

1 pound lean, boneless pork shoulder or butt, trimmed of excess fat and cut into 1-inch pieces
1.5 cups water
4 large dried New Mexico or California chiles (approximately 3 ounces), or substitute with 3-4 tablespoons of ground chile powder
1 garlic clove, minced or crushed
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon cumin powder

Create a tantalizing pork filling by combining all the ingredients in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to let it simmer for about an hour and a half. This red sauce-simmered pork is a traditional choice for tamale fillings in Mexico.

Masa Dough Preparation

Cream together:

1⅓ cups lard, leftover from the pork mixture, or solid shortening until fluffy.

Add:

– Four cups of masa harina (corn tortilla flour)
– Two teaspoons salt (optional)
– Two and two-thirds cups warm water

Knead until you achieve a cohesive dough. If preparing ahead of time, cover and refrigerate for up to three days; bring to room temperature before using.

The Art of Assembling Tamales

Use one eight-ounce package of dried corn husks.

Sift through the corn husks to remove any silk strands or other debris. In a large roasting pan, soak the husks in warm water until they become pliable—at least twenty minutes—or leave them overnight if preferred. When ready to use, drain and pat dry.

Select one pliable husk per tamale; lay it flat with its pointed end facing away from you.

Smoothly spread about two tablespoons of masa down its center forming an elongated rectangle that aligns flush against one side while leaving half-inch margins on opposite sides at both base & tip ends respectively;

If necessary due-to size constraints utilize some extra-masa as paste affixing another piece behind existing-husk;

Add approximately two more spoonfuls worth filling atop middle-section already layered beneath aforementioned masa-spreadout covering entirety evenly but not exceeding boundaries previously demarcated earlier during initial step above—fold enclosing edges bringing them together wrapping remainder outwardly around central-core comprising finished-product now fully formed yet still incomplete awaiting final touch involving next segment instructions detailed herein below following paragraph…/P

Fold remaining bottom-end over body followed closely thereafter similarly handling uppermost pointed tip so entire contents become snugly secured wrapped compact bundle joint-side down placed tray covered moistened paper-towel ensuring retained moisture maintaining optimal conditions desired result ultimately achieved when served later following completion cooking process described hereafter concluding current subsection narrative prior transitioning subsequent section dedicated discussing particular aspects associated steaming phase crucial part overall recipe implementation further elaborated next under new heading appearing soon immediately forthcoming lines subsequent paragraphs accompanying text marking transition point made evident accordingly signifying shift focus subject matter addressed onward continuing without interruption hereinafter presented continue reading discover learn gain insight comprehensive overview method approach achieving culinary success endeavoring 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