Humitas Tamales Recipe

This humitas tamales recipe highlights everything that makes traditional corn dishes so special: warm, comforting, naturally sweet, and made with simple ingredients. Fresh corn, basil, and gentle spices come together to create a soft, flavorful filling wrapped in corn husks and steamed until tender. It’s a recipe filled with nostalgia and perfect for anyone wanting a taste of authentic Latin American home cooking.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Humitas have always reminded me of long summer days spent with family, peeling corn and laughing while preparing each little bundle. The aroma of sautéed onions, fresh basil, and sweet ground corn filled the house and made everyone gather around the kitchen. This recipe carries that same warmth and tradition, making every bite feel like home.

Ingredients

• 12 fresh ears of corn or 3 lbs frozen whole-kernel corn
• 4 tablespoons cornmeal (optional, for thickening)
• 2 large onions, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter, lard, or oil
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons salt
• Small bunch of fresh basil
• 2 mild yellow peppers or Thai peppers, seeded and finely chopped
• Corn husks, cleaned and paired
• Twine for tying

Step-by-step instructions for making the recipe

1. Peel the corn, save the larger husks, and cut the kernels off the cobs.
2. Grind or process the corn until you get a thick, juicy paste.
3. Sauté chopped onions in butter until golden. Add paprika, salt, pepper, and peppers.
4. Stir in the ground corn and milk, cooking until the mixture thickens. Add basil and cornmeal if needed.
5. Place several spoonfuls of the mixture onto paired husks, fold them into packets, and tie securely with twine.
6. Steam the humitas for about 1 hour, or until firm and fully cooked.
7. Serve hot, straight from the husk, for the best flavor and texture.

Tips for best results

• Fresh corn gives the best texture and taste.
• If using frozen corn, add cornmeal for thickness.
• Sweet or Genovese basil works best; avoid Thai basil.
• Use double husks if they feel thin or fragile.
• Humitas freeze well — reheat by steaming or microwaving.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a fresh tomato and onion salad.
• Enjoy as a breakfast, appetizer, or light dinner.
• Pair with grilled meats or a simple green salad.
• Add cheese on top for an Ecuador-style variation.

Humitas Tamales

Traditional Latin American tamales featuring fresh corn, basil, and gentle spices wrapped in corn husks and steamed to tender perfection, offering a taste of authentic home cooking.

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Prep Time 45 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins

Servings: 12 tamales

Course: Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine: Latin American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 12 ears fresh corn or 3 lbs frozen whole-kernel corn
• 4 tablespoons cornmeal optional, for thickening
• 2 large onions finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter, lard, or oil
• 0.5 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 small bunch fresh basil
• 2 mild yellow peppers or Thai peppers seeded and finely chopped
• corn husks cleaned and paired
• twine for tying

Equipment

• Steamer
• Food processor or grinder
• Large Skillet

Method

 

1. Peel the corn, save the larger husks, and cut the kernels off the cobs.
2. Grind or process the corn until you get a thick, juicy paste.
3. Sauté chopped onions in butter until golden. Add paprika, salt, pepper, and peppers.
4. Stir in the ground corn and milk, cooking until the mixture thickens. Add basil and cornmeal if needed.
5. Place several spoonfuls of the mixture onto paired husks, fold them into packets, and tie securely with twine.
6. Steam the humitas for about 1 hour, or until firm and fully cooked.
7. Serve hot, straight from the husk, for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

Use fresh corn for best texture and taste. Add cornmeal if using frozen corn for thickness. Use sweet or Genovese basil (avoid Thai basil). Use double husks if thin or fragile. Freezes well – reheat by steaming or microwaving. Serve with tomato salad, grilled meats, or add cheese for variation.

Conclusion

Humitas tamales are a comforting dish that brings together fresh corn, aromatic herbs, and family tradition. They’re simple yet deeply flavorful, perfect for sharing with family or enjoying on a quiet evening. Once you make them, they’ll become a recipe you return to again and again.

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