Looking for a meal that's both delicious and filling? Try the 1 Piece Rajas and Cheese Tamales with Salsa Verde! This classic Mexican dish packs in plenty of flavor and texture, making it a favorite with foodies everywhere. With a calorie count of 799, it's certainly not a diet food, but it's well worth the indulgence.

Not only is this dish tasty, but it's also packed with nutrients. The tamales are made with fresh corn masa and stuffed with cheese and roasted poblano peppers (rajas), giving you a good dose of protein, fiber, and vitamins. The salsa verde adds even more flavor, with tangy tomatillos and aromatic herbs like cilantro and oregano.

In this article, we'll explore some tips and tricks for preparing and enjoying this delicious dish. Whether you're a fan of Mexican cuisine or you're just looking for a new recipe to try, you won't want to miss out on these mouthwatering tamales.

High calorie count

As mentioned earlier, the 1 Piece Rajas and Cheese Tamales with Salsa Verde has a calorie count of 799. This may seem high, but it's important to remember that this dish is meant to be a hearty meal, not a light snack. Plus, with all the nutrients packed into the tamales and salsa, you're getting plenty of bang for your buck in terms of nutrition. If you're watching your calorie intake, you can always adjust the portion size or pair the tamales with a side salad or some roasted vegetables to make the meal more balanced. Alternatively, you can save this dish for special occasions and indulge in moderation.

Main ingredients

The main ingredients in the 1 Piece Rajas and Cheese Tamales with Salsa Verde are fresh corn masa, cheese, roasted poblano peppers (rajas), and salsa verde. The masa is the base for the tamales and is made from ground corn that's been soaked in lime water. This process, called nixtamalization, makes the corn more digestible and releases its nutrients. The cheese and peppers add flavor and texture, while the salsa verde provides a bright, tangy contrast to the richness of the tamales. You can customize this dish to your liking by adding or substituting ingredients. For example, you can use different types of cheese or switch out the peppers for other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini. You can also experiment with different types of salsa, such as a smoky chipotle or a spicy habanero.

Mexican cuisine

Tamales are a staple of Mexican cuisine and have been around for thousands of years. They were originally made by the indigenous people of Mesoamerica as a portable, easy-to-carry food for travelers and warriors. Today, tamales are still a beloved dish in Mexico and many other countries in Central and South America. In Mexico, tamales are often served as a breakfast or brunch dish, along with coffee or hot chocolate. They're also a popular street food, sold by vendors from carts or stalls. Tamales can be savory or sweet, depending on the filling and sauce used.

Savory taste

The 1 Piece Rajas and Cheese Tamales with Salsa Verde has a savory, umami-rich flavor that's sure to satisfy your taste buds. The cheese and peppers give the tamales a slightly smoky, slightly spicy taste, while the masa is tender and slightly sweet. The salsa verde adds a burst of acidity and freshness that cuts through the richness of the tamales. To enhance the flavor of this dish even further, you can serve it with some lime wedges or a dollop of sour cream. You can also adjust the spice level by adding more or less peppers, depending on your preference.

Preparation method

Making tamales can be a bit time-consuming, but the results are well worth the effort. To make the 1 Piece Rajas and Cheese Tamales with Salsa Verde, you'll need to prepare the masa, prepare the filling, wrap the tamales in corn husks, and steam them for about an hour. The salsa verde can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week. If you're new to making tamales, it's a good idea to watch some instructional videos or read detailed recipes to get a sense of the process. You can also buy pre-made masa and corn husks if you're short on time or don't want to go through the hassle of making them from scratch.

Satisfying portion size

The 1 Piece Rajas and Cheese Tamales with Salsa Verde is a filling and satisfying meal that's perfect for lunch, dinner, or even breakfast. One tamale is usually enough to keep you full for several hours, and the combination of protein, carbs, and fats will give you plenty of energy to power through your day. If you're feeding a larger crowd, you can easily scale up the recipe and make multiple tamales at once. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly and keep an eye on the tamales to make sure they're cooked through.

Ideal for sharing

The 1 Piece Rajas and Cheese Tamales with Salsa Verde is a great dish to share with friends and family. You can serve the tamales on a platter and let everyone help themselves, or you can wrap them up individually and give them as gifts or party favors. To make the meal even more festive, you can set up a toppings bar with different sauces, herbs, and spices. You can also serve some Mexican-inspired drinks like margaritas or horchata to complete the experience.

Great for parties

If you're hosting a party or gathering, the 1 Piece Rajas and Cheese Tamales with Salsa Verde is a crowd-pleasing option that's easy to make in bulk. You can prepare the tamales and salsa ahead of time and reheat them in the oven or microwave when it's time to serve. To make the party even more festive, you can decorate the table with colorful linens, plates, and napkins. You can also play some Mexican-inspired music or hire a mariachi band to entertain your guests.

Vegetarian-friendly

If you're a vegetarian, you'll be happy to know that the 1 Piece Rajas and Cheese Tamales with Salsa Verde is a meat-free dish that's full of flavor and nutrients. The cheese and poblano peppers provide plenty of protein and fiber, while the masa is a good source of complex carbs. To make the dish vegan, you can substitute the cheese with a non-dairy alternative like tofu or nutritional yeast. You can also experiment with different fillings like mushrooms, tofu, or beans. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning and cooking time accordingly.

Gluten-free option

If you're gluten intolerant or have celiac disease, you'll be happy to know that the 1 Piece Rajas and Cheese Tamales with Salsa Verde is a gluten-free dish that won't trigger any adverse reactions. The masa is made from corn, which is naturally gluten-free, and the filling and salsa contain no wheat or gluten. To make sure the dish is truly gluten-free, be sure to use certified gluten-free masa and check the labels of all other ingredients to make sure they don't contain any hidden gluten. You can also experiment with different types of corn flour or cornmeal to make the masa more flavorful and nutritious.