Spiced Chocolate Tamales
A sweet twist on traditional tamales, infused with cinnamon, chili, and a hint of cocoa for a rich, complex flavor. This mexican-inspired mexican ready in about 45 minutes pairs corn masa, diced onion, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 100 calories and feeds 12, 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.
Ingredients
- 2 cups corn masa
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tsp finely grated lime zest
- 1 tsp coarse salt
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chunks
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 cup warm water
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, mix 2 cups corn masa with 1/2 cup diced onion, 1 tbsp minced garlic, 1/4 cup cilantro, 1 tsp lime zest, 1 tsp coarse salt, 1/2 cup dark chocolate chunks, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp chili powder. Add 1/4 cup warm water to form a dough.
- Step 2: Shape into 12 small tamales using corn husks. Steam for 15-20 minutes until tender. Serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a warm, spiced finish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Chocolate Tamales take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (25 min prep + 20 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 Spiced Chocolate Tamales?
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 corn masa from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Chocolate Tamales?
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 Spiced Chocolate Tamales for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). 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.
What goes well with Spiced Chocolate Tamales?
Mexican mexican like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 20-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
