Poblano and Cheese Tamales (Tamales de Rajas con Queso)

Ingredients and Weight:

1. Masa Harina (Corn Masa) - 500 grams
2. Poblano Peppers - 4, roasted, peeled, and chopped
3. Cheddar Cheese - 200 grams, shredded or cubed
4. Butter - 50 grams
5. Chicken Stock or Vegetable Stock - 1 cup
6. Lime juice - 2 tablespoons
7. Salt - 1 teaspoon
8. Fresh Cilantro - handful, chopped
9. Corn husks or Banana leaves - for wrapping the tamales

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 2 hours (including soaking corn husks)
• Cooking Time: 1 hour

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty due to multiple steps involved)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Soak corn husks or banana leaves in water for at least 30 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, mix the masa harina with chicken stock or vegetable stock until a smooth dough is formed.
3. Add butter, lime juice, and salt to the dough and mix well.
4. Add the chopped poblano peppers and cilaantro and mix through the dough.
5. Heat a steamer or a large pot of water.
6. Take a piece of corn husk or banana leaf, place a spoonful of the dough on it, and top with some shredded cheese.
7. Roll the dough into a tube shape and secure the ends with more corn husks or leaves.
8. Place the tamales in the steamer or pot and steam for about 45 minutes, or until the dough is cooked through.
9. Serve hot with your favorite toppings or sauce.

Nutritional Information: (per serving, assuming you make 8 tamales)

• Calories: Approximately 350 calories per tamale depending on the ingredients used.
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 12g

Dish Characteristics:

• A traditional Mexican dish with a rich and creamy cheese filling combined with the smoky flavor of roasted poblano peppers.
• Tamales are a perfect dish for any festive gathering due to their unique flavor and presentation.

User Comments:

1. "The combination of poblano peppers and cheese was a great choice! The tamales were so flavorful."
2. "These tamales were very authentic and the masa had a perfect texture."
3. "I love how you can customize the filling in tamales. This cheese version was delicious."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Make sure to use fresh corn husks or banana leaves for wrapping the tamales, as they provide the authentic flavor and texture.
• Soaking the corn husks is essential to make them more flexible and prevent them from breaking while wrapping the tamales.
• Tamales are best served immediately after steaming to ensure the best texture and flavor.