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Don't want to spend hours cooking?
Want all of that tamale flavor packed inside a mini meatball?
Well, look no further!
With a few simple ingredients, plus your favorite cornbread recipe- you can make these fun and flavorful meatballs!
This recipe uses about half of a typical cornbread dish. You can make your favorite cornbread recipe, use up leftovers, or choose a box mix. And, if cornbread involves a little too much work- simply add some crushed Fritos.
Growing up, I had no idea what a tamale was. I had heard of them, usually as in "hot tamale" There's a good chance I just believed tamales were candy. Then, I moved to Southern California... Tamales are ah-mazing and bare no resemblance to candy! The Spanish word is tamal. For tamales- masa or cornmeal dough is stuffed, then wrapped in corn husks and steamed. They are filled with meats, cheeses, fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Chicken and pork are the most popular, but tamales can be savory or sweet. They likely originated in Mexico or Guatemala and then quickly spread throughout the rest of Latin America. Tamales appeared in the Aztec Empire in 7,000 BC. Aztecs and Mayas would use them as portable food for hunting and traveling. Tamales also played a part in rituals and festivals.
I served my meatballs inside of Fritos corn chips. Delish! But, there are many other (and healthier) options!
You bet! Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Then, cook for a few minutes until beginning to brown. Turn and brown the other side. To check for doneness, I typically cut open the largest meatball. You can also simmer the meatballs in tomato sauce.
Whether you're looking for dinner, a snack, or your next game day treat- these tamale meatballs are tasty, tender, and will quickly become your new fave!
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