There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of Tamale Soup with Tamale Dumplings to transport you back to childhood memories. Growing up, my grandma would make this dish every time the weather turned chilly, and the aroma of spices and cornmeal would fill the whole house. I can still see her stirring the pot with such care, adding in the tender tamale dumplings one by one. The first spoonful was always heavenly – the rich, flavorful broth, the soft and savory dumplings, and that perfect blend of Southwestern spices. It was comfort food at its finest, and it never failed to warm me up from the inside out.
Now, as an adult, I still crave that nostalgic feeling, and I’m so excited to share my grandma’s recipe with you. This Tamale Soup with Tamale Dumplings is going to become your new go-to, I just know it.
Why This Tamale Soup with Tamale Dumplings Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Tamale Soup with Tamale Dumplings
The secret to this Tamale Soup with Tamale Dumplings lies in the homemade broth and the unique way the dumplings are prepared. Instead of just floating in the soup, the tamale dumplings are actually cooked right in the broth, infusing it with their incredible flavor. And the broth itself is simmered low and slow, allowing the spices to meld together into a rich, comforting base. It’s the kind of dish that makes your house smell absolutely heavenly and leaves you craving a second (or third!) bowl.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Corn masa harina: This is the key to those fluffy, authentic tamale dumplings.
- Chicken broth: The foundation of the soup, simmered with spices for maximum flavor.
- Diced tomatoes: Adds a touch of acidity and freshness to balance the richness.
- Shredded chicken: For protein and heartiness in the Tamale Soup.
- Chili powder, cumin, and oregano: The holy trinity of Southwestern spices.
- Onion and garlic: Builds the aromatic base of the broth.
- Salt and pepper: To season the Tamale Soup and dumplings just right.
Step-by-Step Tamale Soup with Tamale Dumplings Instructions
Preparing Your Tamale Soup with Tamale Dumplings
This Tamale Soup with Tamale Dumplings is surprisingly easy to make, but it does require a bit of time and care to get it just right. The total cooking time is about 2 hours, and you’ll need a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot to bring this dish together. But trust me, it’s well worth the effort!
1- Start by sautéing the onion and garlic in a bit of oil until fragrant and translucent. This builds the flavor foundation for the broth.
2- Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 45 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse the broth.
3- While the broth simmers, prepare the tamale dumplings. In a bowl, combine the corn masa harina with some of the hot broth, kneading it together until a soft dough forms. Season with salt and pepper.
4- Drop the tamale dumplings directly into the simmering broth, one by one. You’ll know they’re ready when they float to the surface and the dough is cooked through.
5- Finally, stir in the shredded chicken and let the Tamale Soup with Tamale Dumplings heat through for 10-15 more minutes.
6- Ladle the Tamale Soup with Tamale Dumplings into bowls and serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Tamale Soup with Tamale Dumplings is all in the timing. Don’t rush the simmering of the broth, as that’s where a lot of the flavor develops. And be sure not to overcook the tamale dumplings – you want them to be light and fluffy, not dense and heavy.
Another pro tip is to make a double batch and freeze the extra servings. Tamale Soup with Tamale Dumplings reheats beautifully and makes for an incredibly comforting and easy meal on a busy weeknight.
Serving and Storing Your Tamale Soup with Tamale Dumplings
Perfect Pairings for Tamale Soup with Tamale Dumplings
This Tamale Soup with Tamale Dumplings is a meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. A fresh green salad or some warm cornbread would be the perfect accompaniment. And don’t forget the margaritas – this dish just begs for a refreshing cocktail to balance out the rich, savory flavors.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Tamale Soup with Tamale Dumplings actually gets better the next day, as the flavors have a chance to meld even more. You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply bring the soup back to a simmer on the stovetop.
You can also make the Tamale Soup base ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days before assembling the full dish. When ready to serve, just warm the broth back up, add the tamale dumplings, and finish cooking.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Tamale Soup with Tamale Dumplings
Creative Tamale Soup with Tamale Dumplings Variations
There are so many ways to put your own spin on this Tamale Soup with Tamale Dumplings recipe. Try swapping out the chicken for pork or beef for a different protein. You could also add in some diced bell peppers or fresh corn kernels for extra veggie goodness. And for a spicier kick, bump up the chili powder or add in some diced jalapeños.
Making Tamale Soup with Tamale Dumplings Diet-Friendly
To make this Tamale Soup with Tamale Dumplings more diet-friendly, you can use low-sodium broth and swap the regular masa harina for a gluten-free version. For a dairy-free option, skip the butter in the tamale dumplings and use olive oil instead. And if you’re watching your carbs, you can serve the Tamale Soup over a bed of cauliflower rice instead of the traditional dumplings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving shortcut. Just be sure to shred or chop it up before adding it to the soup.
Q: How long do the tamale dumplings take to cook?
A: The tamale dumplings will take about 15-20 minutes to cook through once they’re dropped into the simmering broth. You’ll know they’re ready when they float to the surface and the dough is no longer raw.
Q: Can I make the Tamale Soup with Tamale Dumplings ahead of time?
A: Yes, this dish reheats beautifully. You can make the full Tamale Soup with Tamale Dumplings and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Or you can prepare the broth base in advance and simply add the dumplings when you’re ready to serve.
Q: How many people does this recipe serve?
A: This Tamale Soup with Tamale Dumplings recipe will serve 4-6 people, depending on portion sizes. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal, so a single batch should be enough for a family dinner.
Q: What if my tamale dumplings fall apart?
A: If your tamale dumplings start to fall apart in the broth, it’s likely because the dough was a bit too thin or delicate. Next time, try adding a bit less broth to the masa harina when you’re forming the dumplings. That should help them hold their shape better.
Tamale Soup with Tamale Dumplings
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4
Description
Warm up with a cozy bowl of Tamale Soup featuring fluffy tamale dumplings. This comforting Mexican-inspired dish is packed with authentic flavors and ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
– 2 cups masa harina
– 1 cup warm chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped cilantro, lime wedges, and crumbled cotija cheese for serving
Instructions
1. In a medium bowl, mix together the masa harina, 1 cup warm chicken broth, baking powder, and salt until a soft dough forms. Cover and set aside.
2. In a large pot, bring the 4 cups of chicken broth to a simmer over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Using a small spoon, gently drop the masa dough into the simmering broth to form small tamale dumplings. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, until the dumplings are cooked through.
4. Serve the Tamale Soup hot, garnished with chopped cilantro, lime wedges, and crumbled cotija cheese.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use a combination of chicken and beef broth. You can also add diced tomatoes, corn, or other vegetables to the soup. Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Conclusion
I hope this Tamale Soup with Tamale Dumplings recipe brings you the same comfort and joy that it has for me over the years. It’s a true taste of home, with its rich broth, tender chicken, and those unbelievably fluffy tamale dumplings. Give it a try, and I know it’ll soon become a staple in your household too. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below!
