I love tamales! Those delicious little pockets of corn dough stuffed with savory fillings are always a treat. But what do you do when you have leftover tamales and no microwave to warm them up? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. In this article, I will share with you some quick and easy methods to heat up tamales without a microwave.
Using a Steamer
Filling your pot
One of the best ways to heat up tamales without a microwave is by using a steamer. If you don’t have a steamer at home, don’t fret. All you need is a large pot and a colander or a heat-safe plate that will fit inside the pot. Start by filling the pot with water, making sure it doesn’t exceed the height of the colander or plate.
Preparing the tamales
Next, unwrap your tamales and place them vertically in the colander or on the plate. Make sure not to overcrowd the pot and allow space for the steam to circulate. If you have different types of tamales with varying cooking times, you may want to separate them to avoid overcooking.
Steaming the tamales
Cover the pot with a lid and bring the water to a boil over medium heat. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the tamales steam for about 15-20 minutes. Remember to check the water level occasionally and add more if needed. You don’t want the pot to go dry.
Serving and enjoying the tamales
After the steaming time is up, carefully remove the tamales from the pot using tongs or a heat-safe utensil. Be cautious as they will be hot! Allow them to cool for a minute or two before serving. You can enjoy your steamed tamales as they are or garnish them with your favorite salsa or hot sauce.
Using an Oven
Preheating the oven
If you have an oven and some patience, you can also use it to heat up your tamales. Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, prepare your tamales by unwrapping them and placing them on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
Wrapping the tamales
Next, loosely cover the tamales with another layer of aluminum foil. This will help prevent them from drying out in the oven. Make sure the foil is sealed tightly around the edges to trap the heat inside.
Baking the tamales
Place the baking sheet with the wrapped tamales in the preheated oven. Let them bake for about 15-20 minutes or until they are heated through. If you prefer a crispier texture, you can remove the top layer of foil for the last 5 minutes of baking.
Serving and enjoying the tamales
Once the tamales are heated to your liking, carefully remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Be cautious as they will be very hot! Serve your oven-heated tamales with your favorite toppings or sauces and savor their warm and inviting flavors.
Using a Stovetop
If you don’t have access to a microwave, steamer, or oven, you can still heat up tamales using a stovetop. This method may take a bit more time and effort, but it can be just as effective.
Boiling a pot of water
Start by filling a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer.
Preparing the tamales
Unwrap your tamales and place them vertically in the pot, making sure they are fully submerged in the simmering water. You may want to use a steamer rack or a heat-safe plate to prevent direct contact with the bottom of the pot.
Simmering the tamales
Cover the pot with a lid and let the tamales simmer for about 20-25 minutes. The steam created by the simmering water will heat the tamales thoroughly. Remember to check the water level occasionally and add more if needed to prevent it from evaporating completely.
Serving and enjoying the tamales
After the simmering time is up, carefully remove the tamales from the pot using tongs or a heat-safe utensil. Allow them to cool for a minute or two before serving. Now, you can relish your stovetop-heated tamales, bursting with deliciousness and warmth.
In conclusion
While a microwave may be the most convenient method for reheating tamales, not having one shouldn’t stop you from enjoying these culinary delights. Whether you opt for steaming, baking, or stovetop simmering, these quick and easy methods will ensure that your tamales are heated to perfection. So go ahead, put those leftovers to good use and savor every bite of your warm and tasty tamales!