New Mexican Red Chile Pork Tamales with Chef Mica Chavez
Classic New Mexican Red Chile Pork Tamales with Chef Michelle Chavez
Want to learn how to make savory and spicy Red Chile Pork Tamales, one of the brightest stars of Santa Fe School of Cooking’s galaxy of recipes? Always a favorite, these traditional Mexican/Northern New Mexican tamales are so much a part of Santa Fe’s rich culture that they are often enjoyed during celebrations and holidays.
This special recipe offers the perfect balance of tender, seasoned pork simmered in a rich, spicy red chile sauce, and flavorful masa (corn dough). It’s a dish with just enough of a sassy kick from the red chile sauce and other ingredients to make your taste buds sit up and take notice.
This Red Chile Pork Tamales sample recipe is part of an online class offered by Santa Fe School of Cooking, and will give you a real taste of what’s in store for your culinary adventures in Santa Fe.
Santa Fe School of Cooking, located downtown in the heart of Santa Fe, is an internationally acclaimed, recreational cooking school and market that has been specializing in foods of the American Southwest for over 34 years. We also have in-person class opportunities, so check those out if you live in or are planning to visit Santa Fe. You can learn how to cook with our culture and become a true member of our community!
For those seasoned home chefs looking to give our authentic recipe a try, see our simplified steps below for making the perfect Red Chile and Pork Tamales.
About Chef Mica Chavez
Chef Mica Chavez started in kitchens at age 14, rising through the ranks to become an Executive Chef. Chef Chavez has cooked for 3 United States Presidents, President Fox of Mexico, and is a private caterer in Santa Fe. You’ll learn her techniques when you buy the full online class.
Looking for more detailed instructions and additional recipes to make the entire meal from scratch? Join our convenient online course for the entire recipe, which includes Green Chile Chicken or Cheese Enchiladas and calabacitas, a list of specialty ingredients, plus guided video instruction with renowned Chef Mica Chavez showing you all the techniques needed to make this unforgettable meal a regular part of your meal rotation! Complete your table with the Taos Twist fruit fork, a handcrafted serving piece available in the SFSC Marketplace.
Red Chile and Pork Tamales - Makes 16 tamales
Masa:
- 3 cups fresh masa or prepared masa for tamales
- 1/2 pound lard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2-3 cups chicken broth or water
- 16 cornhusks
Filling:
- 1 1/2 pounds shredded pork (see below)
- 1 cup red chile sauce (see recipe below))
- 2 Tablespoons chile caribe, toasted
Mix together
Shredded Pork:
- 5 pounds pork shoulder or Boston Butt, cut into fist size chunks
- 2 Tablespoons chipotle seasoning
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Season the meat and sear in a heavy skillet, until well browned.
Place in a covered roaster and bake at 375 degrees for 2 1/2 to 3 hours until fork tender OR
Place in a pressure cooking with 2 cups of water and cook for 35 minutes at 15 pounds pressure. Cool and shred.
For the Tamales:
16 cornhusks, soaked until pliable (1-2 hours)
Whip the lard in a mixer or by hand until fluffy. Add the prepared masa a little at a time and continue beating, alternating with some of the broth.
When all of the prepared masa and 2 cups of the broth are incorporated, add the salt and baking powder along with 1/4 cup of the red chile sauce. Continue beating and add additional broth if needed to achieve a light, fluffy batter (a piece of the masa should gloat in cold water when it is ready).
Spread about 2 Tablespoons of the masa over 2/3 of a cornhusk. Place 2 Tablespoons of pork filling in the center and fold the cornhusk over until the masa on both sides are touching. Roll snugly and fold over the end. Repeat with the remainder.
Place in a steamer and cook for 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours.
Allow to rest a few minutes before unwrapping and serving with the red chile sauce on top.
Red Chile Sauce:
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 Tablespoon coarsely minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons Mexican oregano, toasted
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin, seeded, toasted, and ground
- 1/2 cup New Mexican chile powder, lightly toasted
- 2 Tablespoons masa harina
- 3 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
- Sauté the onion until a little color develops, add the garlic, and cook one more minute. Add the masa harina and cook, stirring constantly for one additional minute.
- Stir in the chile, spices, salt, and water, stirring to blend smoothly.
- Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring constantly.
Classic Green Chile Stew with Chef Allen Smith
Classic New Mexican Green Chile Stew with Chef Allen Smith
Imagine sitting by the fireplace on a cold, wintery night, wondering what to cook for dinner. What would hit the spot, warm you up, and enhance your mood?The perfect answer is Green Chile Stew, one of the greatest New Mexico comfort foods of all time.
Not your usual stew, Green Chile Stew, made with your choice of beef, pork, or chicken, is hearty enough to get any family through a cold winter night. Set the table with the Taos Twist flatware stand, a handcrafted piece that keeps 6-8 five-piece place settings neatly organized.
This sample recipe from the Santa Fe School of Cooking will teach you how to make this traditional New Mexican dish. It is part of a larger online course that includes recipes for blue corn muffins and piñon butter—the perfect complement to Green Chile Stew!
The full online class also includes a step-by-step demonstration video with Certified Culinary Professional Allen Smith, whose storied history includes being a Career Program Instructor at The Institute of Culinary Education in New York.
Santa Fe School of Cooking, located downtown in the heart of Santa Fe, is an internationally acclaimed recreational cooking school and market specializing in foods of the American Southwest for over 34 years. We also have in-person class opportunities, so check those out if you live in or plan to visit Santa Fe. You can learn how to cook with our acclaimed chefs and become a genuine member of Santa Fe’s culinary community!
Ingredients and Specialty Cookware Available at the SFSC Marketplace
- Posole - White
- Roasted New Mexico Green Chile
- Blue Cornmeal
- Coriander
- Chipotle en Adobo
- Moses Honey
- Sea Salt
- Chamba - Black Clay Soup Pot - 3.5 qt.
- Chamba - Black Clay Soup Pot - 6 qt.
Other Ingredients
- Beef stew meat or Pork or Chicken
- Chicken or Beef stock
- Onions
- Potatoes
- Red bell pepper
- Garlic
- Cilantro
- Corn
- Green Chile or Jalapeño (fresh or from SFSC)
- Piñon Nuts / Pine Nuts
- Eggs
- Milk
- Cheddar cheese
- Honey
- Vegetable oil
- Butter
- Sugar
- Salt
- Flour
- Baking powder (at high altitude)
About Chef Allen Smith
Allen Smith, a Certified Culinary Professional, brings an extensive culinary background to The Santa Fe School of Cooking. Allen has recently returned from Dubai, UAE, where he completed project management of a new style grocery market that included an interactive café and cooking studio. He also completed the development of an exclusive Culinary Center, where he established the concept and professional curriculum. Before that, he was a Career Program Instructor at The Institute of Culinary Education in New York. He has extensive experience in food styling, recipe development, and catering.
Looking for additional recipes to make the entire meal from scratch? Join our convenient online course for the blue corn muffins, piñon butter recipes, specialty ingredients, and a video with Chef Allen Smith demonstrating all the techniques needed to make this unforgettable meal!
Green Chile Stew - Serves 8
- 1 1/2 pounds beef stew meat or pork or chicken
- 2 onions, diced
- 4 cups chicken or beef stock
- 2 Tablespoons salt
- 4 potatoes, cubed
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cups chopped, roasted green chile
- 2 Tablespoons cilantro, or more to taste
- 2 to 3 Tablespoons oil to sauté beef, onion
- Dice stew meat into 1/2-inch pieces and brown in a hot saucepan.
- Add onions and continue to cook until onions are brown on the edges.
- Add stock and salt and bring to a boil.
- Add potatoes and simmer for 1 to 2 hours.
- Add diced peppers and garlic. Cook for another 1/2 hour.
- Finish with green chile and cilantro, cooking for another 15 to 20 minutes.
Optional ingredients: posole, pinto beans, corn, tomatoes, Chipotle en Adobo, crushed coriander seed
Your Guide to Finding the Perfect Holiday Gift Basket
Your Guide to Finding the Perfect Holiday Gift Basket
Finding the ideal holiday gift can be a challenge, especially when you want it to feel thoughtful and memorable. Santa Fe School of Cooking offers a delightful range of holiday gift baskets and boxes, perfect for bringing the flavors of New Mexico into any home. Whether you’re shopping for family, friends, or coworkers, our curated gift baskets are filled with authentic Southwestern ingredients and treats. Here’s a guide to help you choose the perfect gift basket for everyone on your list.
For the Spice Enthusiasts: Chile Gift Basket
For the heat-seekers in your life, the Grande Chile Lovers Gift Box Bundle is the ultimate chile gift basket. Featuring iconic New Mexican flavors like red and green chile powders, chipotle en adobo, and more, this basket is perfect for anyone who loves to add a little spice to their cooking. Packed with high-quality ingredients, it’s an easy way to bring a taste of authentic Southwestern cuisine into any kitchen.
For the Salsa Fans: Salsa Gift Basket
A great option for fans of bold flavors, the Salsas Box Bundle is a salsa gift basket that includes a variety of handcrafted salsas. These salsas are made with authentic New Mexican ingredients, offering just the right amount of heat and flavor for dipping, cooking, or topping dishes. Ideal for those who enjoy adding a bit of Southwest flair to their meals, this gift basket is sure to be a hit.
For the Hot Sauce Connoisseurs: Hot Sauce Gift Set
Spice up the holidays with the Hot Sauce Sampler Gift Box Bundle. This hot sauce gift set includes a variety of made-in-New-Mexico sauces with a range of heat levels, allowing the recipient to experiment with different flavors. It’s a great choice for anyone who loves to add an extra kick to their meals.
For the Coffee, Tea, and Cocoa Lovers: Coffee Gift Basket
For those who appreciate a warm cup of coffee or cocoa, the Coffee, Tea, and Cocoa for Two Gift Box is a wonderful choice. This coffee gift basket includes a variety of high-quality beverages and is ideal for cozy winter mornings or relaxing evenings by the fire. It’s a thoughtful gift that any coffee or tea lover would enjoy, and it’s designed to provide a taste of Santa Fe’s best brews.
For Sweet-toothed Friends: Jam Gift Set and Chocolate Gift Boxes
A gift for those with a sweet tooth, the New Mexico Jam Box offers a delightful jam gift set that includes locally made jams inspired by New Mexican fruits and flavors. Perfect for pairing with morning toast or as an accompaniment to cheese boards, these jams make any meal special.
For chocolate lovers, the Mexican Chocolate Lovers Gift Box Bundle offers a rich and decadent experience. This chocolate gift box captures the depth and complexity of traditional Mexican chocolate, providing a sweet taste of the Southwest that’s perfect for the holiday season.
For Snacking Enthusiasts: Snack Gift Basket
The Snappy Snack Gift Sack Bundle is the ultimate snack gift basket, filled with a variety of Southwestern-inspired treats that are perfect for on-the-go snacking. This gift sack includes savory and sweet bites, making it a fantastic option for anyone who loves exploring new flavors in their snacks. It’s perfect for gatherings or for someone who enjoys trying new, authentic treats.
For the Soup Lovers: Soup Gift Basket
The Soup Sampler Gift Box is a comforting choice for chilly days. These soup gift basket feature a variety of traditional Southwestern soup mixes, perfect for creating a warm and hearty meal at home. This gift is ideal for anyone who loves comfort food with a twist of New Mexican flavor, making it a unique holiday treat.
For Mustard Fans: Mustard Gift Set
The Spicy Mustards Gift Box Bundle is an excellent choice for mustard enthusiasts. This mustard gift set includes a selection of zesty and flavorful mustards that complement a wide range of dishes, from sandwiches to charcuterie boards. It’s a unique gift for someone who enjoys a bit of spice and tang in their meals.
For a True Taste of Santa Fe: Santa Fe Favorites Gift Box and Sampler Gift Basket
For those who want a complete Santa Fe experience, the Santa Fe Favorites Gift Box and the Santa Fe Sampler Gift Basket are exceptional choices. These boxes and baskets offer a curated selection of the Santa Fe School of Cooking’s most popular items, including chile powders, salsa, and more. They provide an authentic taste of New Mexico, making them ideal for anyone who loves to cook or explore regional flavors.
Find the Perfect Holiday Gift Basket with Santa Fe School of Cooking
No matter who you’re shopping for this holiday season, Santa Fe School of Cooking has a gift basket that’s sure to delight. With a range of options to choose from — whether it’s a coffee gift basket, chile gift basket, or snack gift basket — there’s something for everyone. Each basket is thoughtfully curated to showcase the vibrant flavors and traditions of New Mexico, making it easy to find the perfect gift.
This holiday, give a gift that’s more than just a present. Give the gift of Santa Fe. Visit Santa Fe School of Cooking’s holiday gift baskets page to explore our entire selection and find something special for everyone on your list.