Real Mexican Tamales de Elote

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Traditional corn tamales stuffed with sweet corn, cheese, and epazote, steamed to perfection in banana leaves. This mexican (vegetarian) ready in about 80 minutes pairs cooked hominy, grated cheddar cheese, chopped epazote for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 260 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 50 min Serves 8 Mexican cuisine 260 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the hominy, cheese, epazote, and salt. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the cheese melts and the mixture is well combined.
  2. Step 2: Soak the corn husks in warm water for 10 minutes until pliable. Line a steamer basket with banana leaves.
  3. Step 3: Place 1/4 cup of the hominy mixture in the center of each corn husk. Fold the husk to enclose the filling, securing with kitchen twine if needed.
  4. Step 4: Arrange the tamales in the steamer basket, ensuring they are not touching. Steam for 45 minutes until the masa is firm and the husks are softened.
  5. Step 5: Let the tamales rest for 10 minutes before serving, ideally with a side of salsa verde.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Real Mexican Tamales de Elote take to make?

Total time is about 80 minutes (30 min prep + 50 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Real Mexican Tamales de Elote?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cooked hominy from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Real Mexican Tamales de Elote?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Real Mexican Tamales de Elote for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Real Mexican Tamales de Elote vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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