🫔 A Guide to Vegetarian Tamales (Easy & Delicious Fillings!)

🫔 A Guide to Delicious Vegetarian Tamales (A Perfect Weekend Project!) 🫔

Tamales are a true labor of love. These savory pockets of corn dough, filled with delicious ingredients and steamed in a corn husk, are a cornerstone of Mexican cuisine and a beloved tradition for celebrations. While many traditional fillings are meat-based, making incredible vegetarian tamales is a fantastic way to enjoy this comforting dish.

Making tamales is a fun and rewarding project, perfect for a cozy autumn weekend. The process is a wonderful activity to do with friends and family. This guide will provide three easy and flavorful vegetarian filling ideas that will make your tamale-making a huge success. Let's get steaming! ✅

🤔 What Are the Key Components of a Tamale?

A great tamale has two main parts: the masa (the dough) and the filling. To make them vegetarian, you need to pay attention to both.

What is the Masa Dough?

Masa is a dough made from ground, lime-treated corn (masa harina). The key for a vegetarian version is the fat. Traditional recipes use lard (pork fat). To make it vegetarian, you must use vegetable shortening or a modern substitute like coconut oil. This will give you the same light and fluffy texture.

What about the Filling?

This is where you can get creative! A vegetarian filling should be moist and highly flavorful to season the surrounding masa. You can use a combination of vegetables, beans, and cheese to create a delicious and satisfying center.

- 3 Delicious Vegetarian Tamale Filling Ideas

Here are three classic and crowd-pleasing filling options. Prepare your filling first, before you mix your masa dough.

1. How to Make a Classic Black Bean & Cheese Filling?

This is a hearty, savory, and foolproof option. It is one of the most popular vegetarian tamales.

How to make it: In a skillet, sauté a chopped onion and garlic. Add one can of rinsed black beans. Stir in spices like cumin and chili powder. Mash about half of the beans to create a creamy texture. Let the mixture cool, then stir in a cup of shredded Monterey Jack or a crumbly cheese like cotija.

2. What's a Good Recipe for a Smoky Roasted Poblano & Corn Filling?

This filling has a wonderful, smoky flavor from the roasted peppers and a sweet pop from the corn. It is a true taste of Mexico.

How to make it: Roast two poblano peppers over an open flame or under the broiler until the skin is blackened. Let them steam in a covered bowl, then peel and chop them. In a bowl, combine the chopped poblano peppers, one cup of corn (fresh or frozen), and a generous amount of shredded Oaxacan cheese or mozzarella. Season with a little salt.

3. How Do You Make a Savory Mushroom & Spinach Filling?

This is a 'meaty' and earthy filling that is incredibly delicious. The mushrooms provide a deep, umami flavor. This is a great vegan option if you omit the cheese.

How to make it: Finely chop a large container of mushrooms. Sauté them in a pan until they have released all their water and are deeply browned. Stir in a large handful of fresh spinach and some minced garlic. Cook until the spinach has wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of dried oregano. You can add a crumbly cheese once the mixture has cooled.

- How Do You Assemble and Cook Tamales?

The process is simple but takes time. First, you soak dried corn husks in warm water until they are soft and pliable. You then spread a thin layer of your prepared masa dough on the husk, add a spoonful of your chosen filling, and fold the husk to enclose it. The tamales are then placed upright in a large steamer pot and steamed for about an hour until the masa is firm. Serve your delicious vegetarian tamales warm with your favorite salsa! 🌶️