Vegan Tamale Masa Recipe Made Easy and Delicious

Tamales are a beloved traditional dish in many Latin American cultures, cherished for their comforting flavors and satisfying texture. At the heart of every great tamale is the masa—a soft, pliable dough that wraps around delicious fillings.

If you follow a vegan lifestyle or simply want a plant-based twist on this classic, this vegan tamale masa recipe is perfect for you. It combines simple, wholesome ingredients to create a dough that is flavorful, tender, and easy to work with.

Whether you’re an experienced tamalero or trying your hand at tamales for the first time, this recipe demystifies the process and guarantees a fantastic result. Plus, it’s free from any animal products without sacrificing the authentic taste and texture you expect from masa.

Get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of freshly steamed tamales and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan tamale masa recipe is incredibly versatile and easy to prepare. It uses simple pantry staples like masa harina, vegetable broth, and vegan shortening or oil, making it accessible for most home cooks.

The resulting dough is soft, moist, and holds together beautifully, which is essential for wrapping tamales that won’t fall apart during steaming.

Unlike traditional recipes that call for lard or butter, this version respects vegan principles without compromising on taste or texture. You’ll love how light and fluffy the tamales turn out, and how well the masa absorbs the flavors of your chosen fillings.

Plus, making your own masa from scratch means you can customize the seasoning and moisture levels to suit your preferences perfectly.

For those interested in exploring more vegan Latin American dishes, check out our Vegetarian Tex Mex Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners or try pairing your tamales with a creamy sauce from our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes.

Ingredients

• 4 cups masa harina (corn flour for tamales, such as Maseca)
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups vegetable broth (warm)
• 2/3 cup vegetable shortening or neutral oil (like avocado or canola)
• Optional: 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (for added depth of flavor)

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Electric mixer or sturdy wooden spoon (for mixing masa)
• Steamer pot or large pot with a steaming rack
• Clean corn husks (soaked in warm water for 30 minutes)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula (for spreading masa)
• Kitchen towel or parchment paper (optional, for lining the steamer)

Instructions

1. Prepare the corn husks. Soak dried corn husks in warm water for about 30 minutes to make them pliable. Rinse and drain them thoroughly before use.
2. Mix dry ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the masa harina, baking powder, salt, and optional nutritional yeast. Stir well to distribute evenly.
3. Beat the shortening. In a separate bowl, beat the vegetable shortening or oil using an electric mixer or vigorous hand stirring until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for fluffy tamales.
4. Add broth gradually. Slowly add the warm vegetable broth to the shortening while continuing to beat. The mixture should become creamy and smooth.
5. Combine wet and dry. Gradually add the dry masa mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing thoroughly. You can use your hands to knead the dough gently for 3-5 minutes until it feels soft but not sticky.
6. Test the masa consistency. Drop a small ball of dough into a glass of cold water. If it floats, your masa is ready. If it sinks, add a little more shortening or broth and mix again.
7. Assemble tamales. Spread a thin layer of masa on the smooth side of a corn husk, leaving space at the edges. Add your desired vegan filling (such as seasoned beans, vegetables, or vegan cheese).
8. Fold and tie. Fold the husk over the filling, then fold the bottom up and tie with a strip of husk or kitchen twine.
9. Steam the tamales. Arrange tamales upright in a steamer pot. Cover with a damp kitchen towel and steam for 1 to 1 ½ hours, checking occasionally to add water to the steamer as needed.
10. Check doneness. Tamales are done when the masa pulls away easily from the husks. Remove from steamer and let cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

Pro tip: Use vegetable shortening for the lightest texture, but if you prefer oil, avocado or refined coconut oil works well too. Avoid unrefined coconut oil as it may add a strong flavor.

For a gluten-free option, ensure your masa harina is certified gluten-free. Most traditional brands are corn-based and naturally gluten-free.

If you want to experiment, try adding some finely chopped roasted poblano peppers, jalapeños, or fresh herbs directly into the masa for extra flavor.

Don’t forget to soak your corn husks thoroughly—they must be flexible to wrap the tamales properly. You can also use banana leaves for a different regional twist.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Vegan tamales are wonderful on their own or paired with flavorful sides. Serve them with a fresh salsa verde, guacamole, or a simple tomato salsa for a burst of brightness.

You can also drizzle with vegan sour cream or cashew crema for added creaminess.

For a hearty meal, complement the tamales with Mexican rice and refried beans or a light salad with lime dressing. To explore more vegan side dishes that go perfectly with tamales, check out our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals and Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals.

Conclusion

Making vegan tamale masa from scratch is easier than you might think, and the results are truly rewarding. This recipe delivers a tender, moist dough that embraces your favorite plant-based fillings with ease.

Whether you’re preparing tamales for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner, this masa recipe ensures your tamales will be a hit every time.

With a few simple ingredients and some patience during steaming, you’ll create a dish that honors tradition while embracing a compassionate lifestyle. Don’t hesitate to experiment with fillings and seasonings to make this recipe uniquely yours.

For more delightful vegan recipes that bring joy and flavor to your table, explore our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves and many more options on our site.

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