Tamales are one of the Latin American staples but they were made popular by ancient Spanish invaders. In ancient times, tamales were as common as sandwiches. They are a part of traditional Mexican cuisine and are made from masa, dough made from specially prepared corn. Corn is first soaked in water and then it is cooked in lime water. After removing the outer covering, this corn is used to make masa. Tamales are made from masa-mix. They are wrapped in banana leaves or plantain leaves or even in corn husks, before cooking. When cooked, these leaves are discarded.
Chicken, pork, beef, cheese, vegetables or various types of combination are used to fill tamales. Since different languages were spoken in different parts of Meso-America, tamales are known by different names in different areas. According to the history, this dish was present even in 8000 BCE. Not only spicy but sweet tamales are also mouth-watering. Sweet tamales are usually filled with raspberries, raisins, pineapple or other fruits and dried fruits.
Calories in Tamales
| Description |
Quantity |
Calories |
| Chicken Tamale (Trader Joe's) |
1 |
260 |
| Chicken Tamale (Don Pablo's) with Ranchero sauce |
1 |
222 |
| Beef Tamale (Derby with sauce) |
3 |
250 |
| Beef Tamale (Hormel) |
2 |
140 |
| Pork Tamale (Del Real) |
1 |
380 |
| Cheese Tamale (Cedarlane Tamales Green Chili, Cheese and Red Pepper Sauce) |
1 entree |
290 |
| Corn Tamale (Recipe Zaar Green Corn Tamale) |
1 |
666 |
Tamale calories vary according to the ingredients and the method of preparation. Average calories in a tamale can be reduced by using lean cuts of meat. The following table describes tamale nutrition facts.
Tamale Nutrition Facts
One tamale of 1 ounce or 28g contains:
| Name of the Element |
Quantity |
| Calories |
43 |
| Saturated Fat |
1 g |
| Total Fat |
2 g |
| Protein |
2 g |
| Dietary Fiber |
1 g |
| Total Carbohydrates |
5 g |
| Cholesterol |
5 mg |
| Sugars |
0 |
| Vitamin C |
0.5 mg |
| Niacin |
0.4 mg |
| Folate |
4.2 mcg |
| Vitamin B12 |
0.2 mcg |
| Pantothenic Acid |
0.1 mg |
| Calcium |
8.1 mg |
| Phosphorus |
27.7 mg |
| Potassium |
36.7 mg |
| Sodium |
120 mg |
| Iron |
0.3 mg |
| Zinc |
0.4 mg |
| Selenium |
1.7 mcg |
| Water |
19.1 g |
| Omega 3 Fatty Acids |
8.3 mg |
| Omega 6 Fatty Acids |
181 mg |
The table above shows that tamales can be included in the list of healthy foods if sodium content is reduced. Tamales are high in vitamins and minerals. They provide protein and carbohydrates. Some of the elements exhibit antioxidant properties which help lower the effects of free radicals in body. Since tamales are not fried or deep-fried, they are low in fat. They are steamed until firm. The dietary fiber can help improve your digestive health. Like lean meat, you can use low fat version of cheese to make cheese tamales. The filling and the cooking liquid are seasoned in various ways. So, it is difficult to describe its exact calories.
Tamales are one of the most sought after Mexican Foods. They can be of various shapes and sizes. Chicken or pork; green or red salsa or mole are normally used. Being a traditional food item, tamales are an invariable part of Christmas dinners.
