Rocky Mountain Tamale Stew

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional Mexican Tamal de olla is transformed into a stew by incorporating Rocky Mountain ingredients and flavors. The original tamale is typically wrapped in corn husks and steamed, while the Rocky Mountain version is a stew with a cornmeal dumpling topping. The use of seasonal vegetables and the addition of smoky chipotle peppers give the dish a distinct Rocky Mountain flair. We alse have the original recipe for Tamal de olla, so you can check it out.

• 1.5 lbs (680g) beef stew meat, cubed 1.5 lbs (680g) beef stew meat, cubed
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
• 1 teaspoon (5g) ground cumin 1 teaspoon (5g) ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon (5g) smoked paprika 1 teaspoon (5g) smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon (5g) dried oregano 1 teaspoon (5g) dried oregano
• 1 can (14 oz/400g) diced tomatoes 1 can (14 oz/400g) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups (950ml) beef broth 4 cups (950ml) beef broth
• 2 cups (470ml) water 2 cups (470ml) water
• 2 potatoes, peeled and diced 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup (150g) corn kernels 1 cup (150g) corn kernels
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• For the cornmeal dumplings: For the cornmeal dumplings:
• 1 cup (120g) cornmeal 1 cup (120g) cornmeal
• 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon (5g) baking powder 1 teaspoon (5g) baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) salt 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) salt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
• 2 tablespoons (30g) butter, melted 2 tablespoons (30g) butter, melted

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 6g
• Protein: 32g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the beef stew meat and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the meat from the pot and set aside.
2. 2.
   In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the minced chipotle peppers, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and dried oregano to the pot. Stir well to combine the flavors.
4. 4.
   Return the browned beef stew meat to the pot and add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 1 hour, or until the meat is tender.
5. 5.
   Add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and corn kernels to the pot. Continue simmering for an additional 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt for the dumplings. Stir in the milk and melted butter until a thick batter forms.
7. 7.
   Drop spoonfuls of the cornmeal batter onto the simmering stew. Cover the pot and let the dumplings steam for 15 minutes, or until they are cooked through and fluffy.
8. 8.
   Serve the Rocky Mountain Tamale Stew hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cornmeal — Make sure to use fine cornmeal for a smoother texture in the dumplings.
• Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce — Adjust the amount according to your spice preference. Remove the seeds for a milder flavor.
• Beef stew meat — Choose a tender cut of beef suitable for stewing, such as chuck or round.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smokier flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the stew.
• Customize the vegetables based on seasonal availability.
• If you prefer a thicker stew, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the simmering stew until thickened.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day for an even more flavorful meal.
• Serve the stew with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese for added richness.

Serving advice

Serve the Rocky Mountain Tamale Stew in deep bowls, allowing the dumplings to peek through the rich stew. Accompany it with warm cornbread or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

Garnish the stew with a sprig of fresh cilantro or chopped green onions to add a pop of color. Serve it in rustic pottery bowls to enhance the Rocky Mountain aesthetic.