Crispy Fried Tamales (Tamales Fritos)
Tamales are delicious when they are first made, but they have a fantastic second life as fried tamales if you have leftovers.
- Preparation:
- Cooking:
- Total:
- Serves: 4 persons
Ingredients
- 4tamales (leftover)
- 1egg
- ½cup flour
- 1cup masa harina cornmeal
- 1teaspoon cumin
- 1teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ground black pepper
- 1tablespoon parsley (fresh, minced or cilantro)
- 1quart vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
Step 1
Gather the ingredients.Step 2
Remove the tamales from their wrappers, typically cornhusks or banana leaves.Step 3
Leave them as is or mix the tamales all together to shape them into smaller appetizer-size tamales for frying. Shaping the leftover tamales into balls works best when they are very cold. Shape the mixed tamales into bite-sized balls about the size of a golf ball.Step 4
Beat the egg in a small bowl with a teaspoon of water until well-mixed.Step 5
In a large shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, masa harina, cumin, garlic salt, pepper, and parsley or cilantro.Step 6
Dip each tamale or bite-sized ball into the egg mixture, letting the excess drain off, and then into the flour mixture. Repeat with remaining tamales or tamale balls.Step 7
Heat 1 to 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy pot with tall sides over medium-high heat to 360 F.Step 8
Fry the tamales or tamale balls, in batches if necessary, until they are deep golden brown.Step 9
Place them on a plate covered with paper towels to cool and sprinkle them with flaky sea salt.Step 10
Serve warm with a dipping sauce.Step 11
Enjoy.