Here is a great basic tamale masa recipe made with fresh masa. You'll need to live near a large Latin population to be able to find fresh ground masa, if you have trouble, see the recipe links below for a basic masa harina masa recipe. Dried masa harina flour is easily found in most supermarkets.

When buying fresh masa, be sure to get unprepared masa, which is simply stone ground corn treated with a little lime. Unprepared fresh masa is the basis for this dough.

Be sure to see the links below to check out our huge Tamale Feature for Tamale making tutorials, tips, troubleshooting, recipes and more.

Makes about 30 cups -- Enough for About 5 Dozen Tamales

If you're using butter, margarine, lard or shortening as your fat, beat the solid fats on high speed in the bowl of an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes or until light and fluffy. Alternate adding the fresh masa mixture with the warm stock, a cup or so at a time until it is all incorporated. Continue to beat for about 5-7 minutes or until the dough is a thick paste consistency.

If you're using oil, put the fresh masa in the bowl of the electric mixer and beat for a minute or two. Slowly drizzle in oil alternating with warm stock, about a cup at a time until it is all incorporated. beat on high for 5-7 minutes or until the dough is a thick paste consistency.