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    Home / Argentinian Kitchen / Tamales Argentinos

    Tamales Argentinos

    The northern Argentine tamal — tender corn-flour dough wrapped in husks and steamed around a savory beef filling scented with cumin.

    ⏱ 45 minPrep time
    🔥 1 hr 15 minCook time
    🍽 8Servings
    🏷 Argentinian KitchenCategory
    ☆☆☆☆☆No ratings yet
    Tamales Argentinos

    In the northern provinces of Salta and Jujuy, tamales are a deep-rooted tradition, wrapped in corn husks and steamed in big pots. The filling is simple — beef, onion, and peppers — but the cumin-spiced masa makes them unforgettable.

    Little husk-wrapped packages from the north

    The masa is soft and moist, almost creamy, with a gentle corn sweetness, while the center holds shreds of spiced, savory beef. Steam keeps them tender, and they are best eaten warm, straight from the husk.

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    Step by stepInstructions

    1. Soak the corn husks in warm water for 30 minutes while you make the filling.
    2. Simmer the beef with the onion, bell pepper, garlic, cumin, paprika, chili flakes, and salt in water to cover for 45 minutes, until the beef is very tender.
    3. Shred the beef with two forks and stir it back into the reduced juices; reserve the broth.
    4. Beat the lard into the masa harina, then add the warm beef broth gradually, beating until the masa is a soft, spreadable dough.
    5. Spread 2 to 3 tablespoons of masa on each husk, spoon a line of filling down the center, and fold the husk over to enclose; tie the ends with twine.
    6. Stand or lay the tamales in a steamer basket, cover, and steam over simmering water for 45 to 60 minutes, until the masa is firm and pulls cleanly away from the husk.
    7. Rest 10 minutes before serving, still in their husks.

    💡 Chef tips & storage

    The masa should be the consistency of thick cake batter — too dry makes crumbly tamales. Tamales keep 3 days refrigerated and reheat beautifully in the steamer for 15 minutes.

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    Recipe details

    Prep45 min
    Cook1 hr 15 min
    Servings8
    CategoryArgentinian Kitchen
    PublishedAugust 17, 2026
    Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

    Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

    Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →

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