Filling

Place roast in a large stockpot and add cold water to cover. Cut onion in half and add to pot. Heat to boiling over high heat. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for about 1 hour 30 minutes. Remove beef from broth and let rest for 10 minutes; reserve broth. Shred beef, discarding excess fat. In large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add carrots and celery; cook for 5 minutes. Stir in shredded beef and raisins along with 1 cup of reserved broth. Heat and simmer over low heat for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside and cool completely.

Tamales

Measure masa harina, baking powder, coriander and salt into mixing bowl; mix well. Beat in pumpkin and shortening. Slowly, add warm broth, stirring in 1/2 cup at a time until moist enough to form a ball that is wet but not too sticky. Cover with wet towel and set aside.

When corn husks are soft and pliable, separate into individual pieces. Arrange 2 husks, slightly overlapping side by side, and alternating tips and stem ends to form rectangles about 9 x 7 inches. Spoon about 1/3 cup dough onto center of each corn husk; with wet fingers, spread to about 1/4-inch thick. Add about 1/4 cup shredded beef filling down center of dough. Fold long edges of husks over filling, lightly overlapping the edges. Fold ends under or twist and tie each end tightly with a narrow strip of corn husk to form a packet.

Arrange the tamales in a large steamer with seam side facing up. Add water to bottom part of steamer and heat to boiling. Steam tamales for about 2 hours or until they are firm to the touch.

To Serve

Arrange tamales on a platter and serve while still very hot.

Ingredients

Filling

  • 2 Pounds boneless beef chuck or shoulder
  • 1 onion, peeled
  • 1/4 Cup olive oil
  • 1 Cup finely chopped carrots
  • 1 Cup finely chopped celery
  • 1 Cup California raisins
  • Salt and pepper
  • water

Procedure

Tamales

  • 3 Cups masa harina
  • 1 Teaspoon gluten-free baking powder
  • 2 Teaspoons toasted ground coriander
  • 1 Tablespoon salt
  • 1 Cup canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1/2 Cup whipped vegetable shortening
  • 3 Cups chicken or vegetable broth, warmed
  • 16 dried corn husks, soaked in warm water

Nutrition Facts Per Serving

Calories 710 (Calories from Fat 53%); Total Fat 43 ( Saturated Fat 13; Trans Fat 3; ); Cholesterol 80; Sodium 1010; Potassium 694; Total Carbohydrate 58; Dietary Fiber 7; Sugars 18; Protein 28; Calcium 130; Iron 5;

Try Another Recipe

California Raisin, Rice and Carrot Salad

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There are many more ways to use raisins for healthy cooking. Take a look at our recipe page for more delicious dishes.
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California Raisins are naturally sweet, no added sugar!