Mexico: One Plate at a Time — Season 1, Episode 19: Three Hot Tamales

Episode synopsis

Tamales. They’re sold by the steamer-full on street corners and plazas, prepared by the hundreds for parties, eaten out of hand as a morning or evening snack, and universally loved. And when it comes to rolling your own, making tamales is easier than you think. Rick pays a visit to a streetside tamal vendor, then heads to a tortilla factory to buy fresh masa. Back in the kitchen, he prepares two traditional types of tamales–Green Chile ChickenTamales Wrapped in Corn Husks and Red Chile Pork Tamales Wrapped in Banana Leaves–revealing the secrets of working with masa, filling, wrapping and steaming. The result: a batch of truly hot tamales–beautiful steaming packets that are fun to open and eat–the perfect party food. In Mexico, a tamalada–the tamal-making party-before-the-party can be as much fun as the party itself. Rick joins his friend Carmen Ramirez Delgollado in the kitchen of her Mexico City restaurant, El Bajio, for a “wrap party” and a lesson in making sweet tamales.

About Mexico: One Plate at a Time

Rick Bayless, the beloved chef and restaurateur, seamlessly weaves together techniques, recipes, cultural musings and off-the-wall surprises. Throughout the series, Rick translates his Mexican travel adventures into unforgettable parties from intimate fireside suppers and casual backyard cocktails with friends to big, boisterous bashes for 25.

More episodes from Season 1

• E1The Whole Enchilada
• E2Let's Talk Tacos
• E3The Straight Cheese On Quesadillas
• E4Sopes And Gorditas: Masa Appeal
• E5Tacos From The Ground Up
• E6Ceviche In The Limelight
• E7Green Sauce And Tomatillos: Mexican Vine Dining
• E8A La Mexicana: The Soul Of Mexican Cooking
• E9Fruit, Aguas, Ices & Paletas: The Ripe Stuff
• E10Rice to the Occasion
• E11Caldo de Pollo & Tortilla Soup: The Super Bowl
• E12Chiles Rellenos and Other Cool Stuff