Sweet Rice Tamales
Ingredients
- 3 cups Mahatma® White Rice, uncooked
- 2 cups plus 3 Tbsp. water, divided
- 20 corn husks for tamales
- 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup plus 2 Tbsps. powdered sugar, divided
- 2 cups blueberries, divided
- 1/2 cup lard, at room temperature
- Kitchen twine
Instructions
Bring a little warmth and sweetness to this fall season with these irresistible blueberry and rice-filled tamales.
Step 1
In a bowl, add raw or uncooked rice and 2 cups of water. Let soak for 4 hours. Drain Rice.
Step 2
Meanwhile, soak corn husks in warm water until they soften, about 1 hour.
Step 3
In bowl, place cream cheese and mash with a fork. Add 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar and mix. Once incorporated, add 1 cup of blueberries and mix. Set aside.
Step 4
In a food processor, add rice, lard, and 1/3 cup powdered sugar. Process adding 1 or 2 tablespoons water at a time, until a paste is formed.
Step 5
Place 1/3 rice mixture in the center of a husk and press with moist hands to spread it. Place 1 1/2 teaspoons of cream cheese mixture on top of rice and along the center. Wrap tamales by folding the husk sides inward, then use kitchen twine to tie both ends.
Step 6
In tamale steamer (you can also use a large saucepan with round cooling rack), add water below the level of the rack. Place tamales and cook covered for 1 hour and 25 minutes, or until tamales are firm. Serve warm with blueberries on top.
Recipe video
Sweet Tamales
A sweet and delightful spin on a Latin classic, these Sweet Rice Tamales are the perfect warm dessert or snack for the chilly fall season. Made with just a few simple ingredients you likely already have at home, corn husks, and fluffy Mahatma® White Rice, these tasty tamales are a great addition to this year’s Thanksgiving feast, or perfect as a simple and delicious dessert or sweet snack that is served warm on a chilly fall day.
The Process of Making Tamales
Never made tamales before? Not to worry, they are not difficult and their preparation can be a great way to get the family involved in the fun. Whether you’re making a traditional savory recipe with red chile and beef or a sweet version like this one, the process is mostly the same. After letting the corn husks soak in water for a least an hour to soften them up, you can set up an “assembly line” with your family and give them each a task. One person can spread the rice mixture, pass it on to the next person to add the cream cheese mixture, and that person can pass it on to the next for wrapping and tying. A fun way to bond over cooking with a delicious result to enjoy together.
Traditionally made with savory ingredients, the tamale filling can be both sweet or savory. To really switch things up, why not try adding in your favorite Spanish paella ingredients for your next batch? The results will not disappoint.
Want to try other Latin-inspired sweets? Try these Plantain and Rice Rellenitos, these Empanadas with Rice Pudding or an Instant Pot Arroz con Leche.
