Mississippi Tamales Food

HOT TAMALES

Steps:

• In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, kosher salt, paprika, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper and cumin. Divide the mixture in half and reserve 1 half for later use.
• Cut the Boston butt into 6 even pieces and place into a 6 to 8-quart saucepan. Add half of the spice mixture and enough water, 3 to 3 1/2 quarts, to completely cover the meat. Set over high heat, cover and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer until the meat is very tender and falling apart, 2 to 2 1/2 hours. Remove the meat from the cooking liquid to a cutting board. Leave the cooking liquid in the pot. Both meat and liquid need to cool slightly before making dough and handling. Remove any large pieces of fat and shred the meat into small pieces, pulling apart with your hands or using 2 forks.
• Place a 4-quart saucepan over medium heat and add the vegetable oil. Once shimmering, add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are semi-translucent, approximately 3 minutes. Add the garlic, jalapeno, and remaining half of the spice mixture and continue to cook for another minute. Add the meat and cook until heated through, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat.
• While the meat is cooking, place the husks in a large bowl or container and submerge completely in hot water. Soak the husks until they are soft and pliable, at least 45 minutes and up to 2 hours.
• For the dough:
• Place the cornmeal, salt, and baking powder into a large mixing bowl and combine. Add the lard and using your hands, knead together until the lard is well incorporated into the dry mixture. Gradually add enough of the reserved cooking liquid, 3 to 4 cups to create a dough that is like thick mashed potatoes. The dough should be moist but not wet. Cover the bowl with a damp towel and set aside until ready to use.
• To assemble the tamales:
• Remove a corn husks from the water and pat dry to remove excess water. Working in batches of 6, lay the husks on a towel and spread about 2 tablespoons of the dough in an even layer across the wide end of the husk to within 1/2-inch of the edges. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the meat mixture in a line down the center of the dough. Roll the husk so the dough surrounds the meat, then fold the bottom under to finish creating the tamale. Repeat until all husks, dough and filling are used. Tie the tamales, around the center, individually or in groups of 3, with kitchen twine.
• To cook the tamales:
• Stand the tamales upright on their folded ends, tightly packed together, in the same saucepan used to cook the meat. Add the reserved broth from making the dough and any additional water so the liquid comes to 1-inch below the tops of the tamales. Try not to pour the broth directly into the tops of the tamales. Cover, place over high heat and bring to a boil, approximately 12 minutes. Remove the lid, reduce the heat to low, to maintain a low simmer, and cook until the dough is firm and pulls away easily from the husk, 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
• Serve the tamales warm. For a 'wet' hot tamale, serve with additional simmering liquid. Store leftover tamales, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap, in the freezer, for up to a month. To reheat, remove the plastic wrap and steam until heated through.;

MISSISSIPPI TAMALE PIE

Steps:

• For the batter: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and place an 8- to 10-inch cast-iron skillet inside.
• Combine the cornmeal, masa and salt in a large mixing bowl. Place the butter in a small saucepot over medium heat. When the butter is melted, remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the milk and eggs. Add all of the liquid to the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until the batter just comes together (a few lumps are okay). Set the batter aside to rest.
• For the filling: Melt the butter in a large saute pan over high heat. Add the onions, garlic and peppers and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Add the chicken and sauce to the pan and bring to a simmer. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the cilantro, lime zest and juice and Cheddar.
• Transfer the filling to the preheated cast-iron skillet, then pour the batter over the top. Bake until the top is risen and browned, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Cool on a rack 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Serve with sour cream.
• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• In a small bowl, mix together the coriander, smoked paprika, cumin. 1 tablespoon salt and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper.
• Lightly coat the chickens with oil, then sprinkle generously with the salt and spice mixture.
• Combine the tomatoes, garlic and onions in a large roasting pan and place the two chickens on top, breast-side up. Roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thigh registers 160 degrees F, about 45 minutes (as the chicken rests, the temperature will rise to 165 degrees F).
• Transfer the chicken to a large carving board to rest, then place the roasting pan on the stovetop and bring the tomato mixture to a boil. Boil for 1 minute and season to taste with salt and pepper. Puree with a hand blender or transfer to a blender to process until smooth. Reserve the sauce and serve the chicken.
• After serving the chicken, pull any remaining meat from the bones and mix with the sauce. Freeze in small containers for up to 3 months.