Recipe to Prepare Tamales Inspired by the Movie Frida

Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish that appears in the movie Frida, based on the life of artist Frida Kahlo.

The tamal (plural: tamales) is a traditional dish from pre-Hispanic America, dating back over 5,000 years. Its name comes from the Nahuatl term "tamalli," meaning "to wrap," referring to the way it is prepared, with the corn dough wrapped in corn or banana leaves. This dish is generally cooked by steaming, and the leaf used protects the corn kernel during cooking.

Tamales are made from nixtamalized corn flour dough, mixed with lard or butter, a traditional ingredient in Mexico and Guatemala. The dough is then spread on corn or banana leaves. Once the dough is ready, a filling, either savory or sweet, is added. Tamales can be filled with meat, stew, or fruits for a sweet version. After being carefully wrapped in the leaves, tamales are steamed, allowing the dough to firm up and take on a savory texture, while keeping the heat and flavors inside.

This dish is an important part of traditional Mexican and Guatemalan cuisine and is often prepared for special occasions or family gatherings.

Ingredients: For the dough (masa):

• 500 g of nixtamalized corn flour (masa harina)
• 125 g of lard or butter
• 1 tablespoon of baking powder
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 250 ml of broth (chicken or vegetable) or warm water

For the filling:

• 500 g of meat (chicken, pork, or beef), cooked and shredded
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 2 dried chiles (ancho or guajillo), rehydrated and chopped
• 1 tablespoon of ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon of paprika (optional)
• 1/2 cup of broth (chicken or vegetable)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For wrapping:

• Dried corn husks (available at Mexican grocery stores)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the corn husks:

   • Soak the corn husks in hot water for about 30 minutes to soften them. You can place a weight on top to keep them submerged.

2. Preparing the dough (masa):

   • In a large bowl, mix the masa harina, salt, and baking powder.
   • Add the lard or butter and mix by hand until you get a sandy texture.
   • Gradually add the warm broth (or water) and mix until you have a soft, homogeneous dough. It should be slightly sticky but not tear.
   • If the dough is too dry, add a bit more broth or water.

3. Preparing the filling:

   • In a pan, heat a little oil and sauté the onion and garlic until they become translucent.
   • Add the rehydrated chiles and cook for 2 minutes.
   • Add the shredded meat, cumin, paprika, and a bit of broth. Season with salt and pepper. Let it cook for about 10 minutes until the mixture is well-flavored and fully integrated.

4. Assembling the tamales:

   • Take a corn husk, spread a small amount of dough (about 1 to 2 tablespoons) on the lower part of the husk.
   • Add a spoonful of filling on top of the dough, then fold the edges of the corn husk to wrap the dough and filling. Also fold the bottom of the husk to form a package.
   • Repeat this process until all the ingredients are used up.

5. Cooking the tamales:

   • Place the tamales standing upright in a large pot or steamer. Cover them with the remaining corn husks or a damp cloth to keep them tightly packed.
   • Steam for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the dough easily pulls away from the corn husks.
   • Check the cooking by opening one tamale: the dough should be fully cooked and easily detach from the corn husk.

Tips:

• You can replace the meat with vegetables or cheese for a vegetarian version of the tamales.
• Tamales can be prepared in advance and reheated by steaming before serving.
• Serve them with a red or green sauce for extra flavor.

Tasting:

Tamales are often served at major occasions and festivals, particularly for Christmas and the Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico. In the movie Frida, tamales are part of the culinary scene that reflects the importance of food in Mexican culture, and their preparation is often done collectively, making them a dish of sharing and togetherness.

Enjoy your meal!

Main Cast Members in the Movie Frida (2002):

The movie Frida, directed by Julie Taymor and released in 2002, tells the life story of the Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. It features several famous actors and actresses who portray important figures in Frida's life. Here are the main cast members in the film:

1. Salma Hayek – Frida Kahlo
   Salma Hayek plays the iconic Mexican painter Frida Kahlo. For her role, Hayek received numerous accolades, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Her portrayal of Frida was praised for its emotional depth and commitment.

2. Alfred Molina – Diego Rivera
   Alfred Molina plays Diego Rivera, the famous muralist and husband of Frida Kahlo. Their tumultuous relationship, marked by betrayals and passionate artistic collaborations, is a central focus of the film. Molina brings great complexity to the character.

3. Geoffrey Rush – Leon Trotsky
   Geoffrey Rush portrays Leon Trotsky, the Russian revolutionary who was exiled to Mexico. In the film, he has an important relationship with Frida and Diego, and his character plays a role in exploring the political ideals of the time.

4. Mia Maestro – Cristina Kahlo
   Mia Maestro plays Cristina Kahlo, Frida’s sister, who had a complex relationship with her. Cristina plays a significant role in the family dynamics of Frida.

5. Antonio Banderas – David Alfaro Siqueiros
   Antonio Banderas plays David Alfaro Siqueiros, another great Mexican muralist and a close friend of Diego Rivera. Siqueiros is an emblematic figure in revolutionary Mexican art.

6. Ashley Judd – Tina Modotti
   Ashley Judd plays Tina Modotti, an Italian-born photographer and political activist, and an influential figure in the artistic and political world of Frida.

More About Frida Kahlo:

Frida Kahlo, born on July 6, 1907, in Coyoacán, a neighborhood in Mexico City, is one of the most iconic artists of the 20th century. Her life, marked by physical pain, tumultuous relationships, and political engagement, deeply influenced her art. She is best known for her vibrant self-portraits filled with personal symbolism. Frida lived a life marked by a severe bus accident that almost cost her life, which pushed her to paint as a way to confront her pain. Her art addresses themes of suffering, identity, femininity, and politics.

Frida Kahlo was also a significant figure in the feminist movement and the communist movement in Mexico. Her work continues to resonate worldwide, and her image remains a source of inspiration for many artists and activists.