Best Conch Tamales With Jalapeño Cheese Pesto Recipes

JALAPENO AND CHEESE TAMALE RECIPE

Steps:

• The first step in this Jalapeno and Cheese Tamale Recipe is to prepare the corn husks. It is an important step because the husks not only provide flavor to the tamale but shape and consistency. The best way to clean the husks is to boil them for 5 minutes or run cool water on top of them.
• Lay them out to dry in a clean area or a plate. You can cut the husks if they are too big, or wrap them tightly once it is time to shape the masa.
• The most important part of this recipe is the masa to make tamales. The masa in this Jalapeno and Cheese Tamale Recipe should be thick and smooth. Take the wet and dry ingredients (not including the cheese or the jalapenos for the filling) and whisk them together.
• In order for the masa to work, it should be sticky and shape well with the husks.
• During the third and final step, you will be filling the corn husks with the masa. It is easiest to do this using a spoon. Take a spoon or two of the masa and spread it in the center of the husk. Make sure that the smooth side of the corn husk is facing up.
• Then, add the filling. You can sprinkle the cheese or melt it beforehand. However, the heat of the steam and boiling water will likely melt the cheese. Make sure at least one jalapeno is in each tamale to bring an extra kick of spice and flavor. Fold the tamales to create a tube-like shape from edge to edge.
• Afterward, boil hot water and stack the tamales inside with the husks. Add the top and boil for approximately 60 minutes. Afterward, lower the heat and allow the steam to come out for 20 minutes. Always wait to cool the tamales before serving.

POBLANO AND CHEESE TAMALES (TAMALES DE RAJAS CON QUESO)

Steps:

• Place corn husks in a bowl, cover with boiling water, and soak for 30 to 60 minutes. Drain, place on a work surface, and cover with a clean, damp towel.
• Line a heavy cast iron grill pan or griddle with aluminum foil and place over high heat. Arrange poblano peppers in a single layer on top. Grill until chiles are blackened, turning as necessary, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer into a resealable plastic bag and let them steam, 10 to 15 minutes. Peel off skin, seed, and cut them into strips.
• Place tomatillos in a pot and cover them with water. Bring to a boil and cook until they change color, about 5 minutes. Drain and place in a blender. Blend until smooth.
• Heat 1 tablespoon lard in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add blended tomatillos and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until flavors are well combined, about 5 minutes. Add poblano peppers and cilantro and boil for an additional 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool, about 10 minutes.
• Beat remaining lard in a large bowl with an electric mixer until creamy. Add salt and continue beating for a few minutes. Add masa harina and baking powder and beat well until combined. Add chicken broth, 1/4 cup at a time, until the dough has a smooth and workable consistency that is not too wet, similar to cookie dough. Test if the masa is ready by dropping a small ball of masa into a glass of cold water; if it floats, it's ready, if not, keep working the dough a little longer.
• Select 1 wide corn husk or 2 small ones. Spread about 2 tablespoons masa mixture onto the corn husk, filling it up to 2 inches from the bottom and 1/4 inch from the top. Add 1 tablespoon of the tomatillo sauce and a piece of Monterey Jack cheese in the center of the masa mixture. Fold sides of husk together, one over the other. Fold the bottom of the husk over the seam of the 2 folded sides. Repeat with remaining husks.
• Place a steamer insert into a saucepan and fill with water to just below the bottom of the steamer. Bring water to a boil. Add tamales with the open side up and cook until filling is heated through and separates from the husk, about 1 hour 15 minutes. Let tamales rest for 15 minutes before serving.

CONCH TAMALES WITH JALAPEñO-CHEESE PESTO

Steps:

• To prepare the pesto, heat the olive oil in a sauté pan or skillet and sauté the onion, garlic, and jalapenos over medium heat for 5 minutes. Add the turmeric, stir well, and sauté for another 2 minutes.
• Transfer the mixture to a food processor, add the queso blanco, and pulse until smooth. Refrigerate.
• To prepare the sofrito, heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan or skillet. Add the onion, bell peppers, and garlic, and sauté over medium heat for about 15 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in the tomato paste and remove the pan from the heat.
• Place the corn kernels in a large mixing bowl and stir in the sofrito mixture. Add the cornmeal and cornstarch and mix well. Place small batches of the corn mixture into a food processor or blender and purée until smooth.
• Return the purée to the mixing bowl and add the sugar and salt. With a wooden spoon, fold in the ground conch.
• Lay 2 of the reserved corn husks end to end. Place 1/2 cup of the conch filling in a cylinder shape in the middle of the husks. Roll up the husks and tie each end with butcher's twine. Repeat for the remaining tamales.
• Bring a large stockpot of salted water to a boil. Add the tamales, lower the heat, and keep at a gentle boil for 1 hour. Drain, and let the tamales cool slightly. Cut the square of cheese into a star (or other) shape and set it on a serving plate. Set the warm tamales, still in their leaves, on the cheese. Place the chilled pesto on the side, garnish with the parsley and olives, and serve.