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Sweet Pineapple Tamales Recipe (Video)

Chef Sophia
Discover our pineapple tamales recipe – a tropical twist on classic corn tamales bursting with sweet, irresistible flavor. Try it today!
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Dish
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 12 tamales
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Masa

  • 2 cups corn masa harina.
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter.
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups pineapple juice.

For the Filling

  • 1 1/2 cups chopped fresh pineapple.
  • 1/2 cup pineapple preserves.
  • 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper.
  • 1 small red onion finely chopped.
  • 1-2 jalapeños deseeded and finely chopped (optional).
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin.
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika.
  • Salt and pepper to taste.

For Assembly

  • 12 to 15 dried corn husks.

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Corn Husks

  • Place 12-15 dried corn husks in a large bowl.
  • Cover them with warm water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes until they become soft and pliable. This step is crucial for making smooth, well-wrapped corn tamales.
  • After soaking, gently rinse the husks under cool water.
  • Lay them out on a clean towel to drain, ensuring they are ready for assembly.

Step 2: Make the Masa Dough

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of corn masa harina, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
  • Add 1/2 cup of unsalted butter into the dry mixture.
  • Slowly pour in 1 to 1 1/2 cups of pineapple juice, stirring continuously. The juice not only enriches the flavor but also helps create a soft, pliable dough perfect for sweet tamales pineapple.
  • Ensure your masa is well-combined and smooth. If the dough feels too dry, add a splash more pineapple juice until you reach the ideal consistency.

Step 3: Prepare the Pineapple Filling

  • In a separate bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups of chopped fresh pineapple with 1/2 cup of pineapple preserves. These ingredients are key to achieving the signature tropical taste in your tamales with pineapple.
  • Stir in 1/4 cup of diced red bell pepper, 1 finely chopped small red onion, and 1-2 deseeded jalapeños (if you like a bit of heat).
  • Season with 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  • Mix thoroughly so that every piece of pineapple and vegetable is evenly coated. This balance of flavors is what sets your pineapple tamale recipe apart.

Step 4: Assemble Your Tamales

  • Place a softened corn husk on your work surface.
  • Spoon a generous tablespoon of masa onto the center of the husk. Use your fingers or a spatula to spread the dough into a rectangle, leaving a border at the edges.
  • Place a line of the pineapple filling down the center of the masa. This layering ensures that every bite bursts with flavor.
  • Carefully fold the sides of the husk over the masa, then roll tightly to secure the filling inside. Repeat this process until all your masa and filling are used up.

Step 5: Steam the Tamales

  • Stand the assembled tamales upright in a large steamer pot with the open end facing up. This arrangement helps them cook evenly.
  • Cover the pot and steam over medium heat for 60-75 minutes. Check periodically to ensure there’s enough water in the steamer.
  • The tamales are ready when the masa easily separates from the husks—a clear sign that your tamales pineapple have achieved the perfect texture.

Notes

Nutrition Information (per serving):

  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 300mg
Keyword easy dinner ideas, homemade tamales, pineapple tamales, tropical recipes, unique tamales