Tamales De Piña Pineapple Tamales

Celebrate the festive season with a delicious combination of traditional Mexican flavors and the sweetness of a tropical touch – Tamales De Piña, or Pineapple Tamales. These delightful treats are perfect for Christmas morning or any special occasion where you want to add a touch of warmth and happiness to your table. The soft, steamed masa dough wrapped around a sweet pineapple filling is a delightful surprise for your taste buds. Let’s dive into how to make these Pineapple Tamales to bring a taste of Mexico to your holiday season.

**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups masa harina (corn flour)
– 1 cup vegetable shortening
– 1 cup sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup pineapple chunks, diced
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/2 cup raisins
– Corn husks, soaked in water

**Instructions:**
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the masa harina, vegetable shortening, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix well until the dough comes together and is smooth and pliable.

2. In a separate bowl, prepare the pineapple filling. Combine the diced pineapple chunks, pineapple juice, and raisins. Mix well to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.

3. To assemble the tamales, take a soaked corn husk and spread a thin layer of the masa dough evenly over the surface, leaving some space around the edges.

4. Spoon a generous portion of the pineapple filling along the center of the masa dough.

5. Carefully fold the sides of the corn husk over the filling, then fold up the bottom and secure with a strip of corn husk.

6. Repeat the process with the remaining corn husks, masa dough, and pineapple filling until all the ingredients are used.

7. Arrange the tamales in a steamer pot with the open ends facing up. Add water to the pot, making sure it doesn’t touch the tamales.

8. Cover the tamales with a layer of corn husks or a clean kitchen towel to keep the steam in.

9. Steam the tamales for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until the masa dough is cooked through and firm.

10. Once done, carefully remove the tamales from the steamer and let them cool slightly before serving.

11. Unwrap the corn husks and enjoy the warm and sweet Pineapple Tamales with your loved ones as a festive treat that captures the essence of Mexican holiday flavors.

Bring a taste of Mexico to your holiday table with these delightful Pineapple Tamales. The combination of sweet pineapple filling and soft masa dough is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Get creative with your tamales by adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra touch of indulgence. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, a special occasion, or simply craving a comforting treat, these Pineapple Tamales are a wonderful addition to your baking repertoire. Happy baking and enjoy the warmth of the holiday season with these tasty treats!