For many of us, the gifts we look forward to unwrapping the most during the holidays don't come wrapped with gift wrap but in delicate layers of corn husk and banana leaf that reveal plump forms of tender masa stuffed with stewed meat, cheese, and vegetables. In other words, tamales.
Today, we're talking about L.A.'s best tamales you can order to feed your family and friends, or just to store in your freezer to eat one-by-one whenever you feel like it because you made it through another year!
It's that particular time of year known as "tamal season," which roughly begins the day after Thanksgiving and lasts until New Year's and Dia de La Candelaría on February 2nd (that's the holiday when whoever gets the plastic baby Jesus figurine during Dia de Los Reyes has to treat everyone else in that group to a tamal feast).
During this shift, the city is infused with frenetic energy as everyone attempts to secure a bag of masa-encased goodness. Gente flock to their favorite spots to grab dozens upon dozens to take home and share with their families.
Traditional Mexican-style tamales are made with prepared masa and contain red or green pork or beef fillings, rajas (jalapeños) con queso, and various sweet incarnations, including the sometimes elusive hot pink strawberry tamal This being L.A., we’re fortunate to have a variety of Central and South American-style tamales available for our enjoyment, as well as regional Mexican delicacies such as guajolotongos and uchepos.