Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tamales

Name: Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tamales
Cook time: 105 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds sweet potatoes; 1 cup lard or vegetable shortening; 1/2 teaspoon kosher or coarse sea salt; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 2/3 cups corn masa flour or masa harina ((such as Maseca)); 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth; 24 dried corn husks; 2 cups refried beans; 1 cup Mexican crema; 1 cup queso fresco (crumbled)

Tamales de Camote con Frijol

Recipe Yield

12 to 16 tamales

Cooking time

1 hour 45 minutes

Rate this recipe

3.86 from 7 votes

Ingredients

2 pounds sweet potatoes
1 cup lard or vegetable shortening
1/2 teaspoon kosher or coarse sea salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 2/3 cups corn masa flour or masa harina (such as Maseca)
1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
24 dried corn husks
2 cups refried beans
1 cup Mexican crema
1 cup queso fresco crumbled

To Prepare

Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
Wrap the sweet potatoes in aluminum foil. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until completely cooked and soft. Remove from the oven. When cool enough to handle, cut open and scoop out the cooked pulp into a bowl. Set aside to cool.

To make the tamal masa:

Place the lard or vegetable shortening and 1/2 teaspoon of salt into a mixer, and beat over medium speed until very light, about 1 minute. Reduce speed to low, add baking powder and sugar, and take turns adding the corn masa flour and the broth. Raise speed back to medium and continue beating another 6 to 7 minutes, until the dough is homogeneous. In batches, add the cooled sweet potato pulp and continue beating for another 5 to 6 minutes, until the masa looks fluffed up.

To assemble the tamales:

Soak the dried corn husks in hot water for a couple minutes, or until they are pliable, and drain. Lay out a corn husk with the tapering end towards you. Spread about 1/3 cup masa into about a 2” to 3” square, the layer should be about 1/4” thick, leaving a border of at least 1/2” on the sides. Place about 2 teaspoons of refried beans in the middle of the masa square.
Pick up the two long sides of the corn husk and bring them together (you will see how the masa starts to swaddle the filling) and fold them to one side, rolling them in same direction around tamal. Fold up the empty section of the husk with the tapering end, from the bottom up. This will form a closed bottom and the top will be left open. Gently squeeze from the bottom to the top to even the filling out without pressing to hard. As you assemble all the tamales, place them as upright as you can in a container.

To prepare the tamalera or steamer:

Place water in the bottom pan of a steamer, so that water is under the steamer basket or rack, and bring it to a simmer. Line the steamer with one or two layers of soaked corn husks.

To cook the tamales:

When you have all tamales ready, place them as vertically as you can, into the prepared steamer with the open end on top. If there is space left in the steamer, tuck in some corn husks, so the tamales won’t dance around. Cover with more corn husks, and steam covered with a lid for 55 minutes to an hour. You know the tamales are ready when they come easily free from the husks. They will still be moist, and as they are released from the husks – you will see the moisture, like when you remove good moist muffins from their paper baking cups.
Finished tamales will stay warm for about 2 hours in the steamer. They can be made ahead several days before and stored in refrigerator, well wrapped. They can also be frozen for months. In either case, reheat in a steamer. For refrigerated tamales, it will take about 20 minutes and about 45 minutes for frozen tamales.
You can serve with a spoonful of Mexican crema and crumbled queso fresco on top.

Comments

123comments inSweet Potato and Black Bean Tamales

Pam Adams

Dec 03

Hi Pati!
I love this recipe! I use calabacitas instead of Black Beans and they come out awesome!

1. Pati Jinich
  
  Jan 02
  
  Yummy, great idea!
  
Lou. Diaz

Aug 27

All I can say is awesome!

1. Pati Jinich
  
  Sep 05
  
  Yay 🙂
  
Karla

Apr 16

Loved this recipe! Thank you

1. Pati Jinich
  
  Apr 19
  
  So glad you did, thanks to you Karla!
  
Rene

Nov 13

I am going to make these but would love to add some heat. What would you suggest? I LOVE your dhow and so glad it is on PBS

1. Pati Jinich
  
  Dec 29
  
  How about adding some chipotles in adobo to your black beans mixture? I think that will give your tamales a sweet spicy touch 🙂
  
Barbara Eiland

Oct 07

Mine weren’t pretty as it was my first ti.e making tamales. Tasted fabulous though. Topped with the cheese and cream they were such a treat! My husband couldn’t give how delicious they were. Thank you Pati for a great recipe

1. Pati Jinich
  
  Oct 12
  
  So glad you guys liked these tamales Barbara, the more you make them the better they will look as well, gracias!
  
Amanda

Oct 04

Hi Pati, I love your show! I grow my own sweet potatoes so this will be a perfect recipe to use them up…but mine are purple. Do you think it will work with purple sweet potatoes? They seem about the same as orange ones, just slightly drier.

1. Pati Jinich
  
  Oct 05
  
  I think purple would work Amanda, and I am sure the color will be really pretty 🙂
  
Paula Rodriguez

Sep 19

Love your show so happy you’re back🎉watching the episodes today on PBS 9/19 saluting Hispanic Heritage Month.Will try making sweet potato tamales and your moles❤️👍new comment

1. Pati Jinich
  
  Oct 04
  
  Thanks Paula, I hope you’ll enjoy them!
  
Raena

Aug 03

I love this recipe BUT where are the Black Beans? TU!

1. Pati Jinich
  
  Aug 14
  
  Hola Raena! Just go to the recipe and click on “refried beans” to get the way to prepare them. Here is the link for you, enjoy! http://patijinich.com/refried_beans/
  
Barry Matthews

Oct 28

Made them last night. Best tamales ever!

1. Pati Jinich
  
  Nov 03
  
  Yay! SO glad you liked them Barry 😉
  
maria morales

Oct 19

Loved this recipe. Honestly my family is from Guatemala and we make a rellenito of platano with Frijoles. When I saw Pati make this recipe with sweet potatoes I decided it would work with plantains and it did wonderfully.

1. Pati Jinich
  
  Oct 19
  
  So glad you liked this recipe Maria, un abrazo!
  
Chalymar

Sep 22

Pati, I saw this episode again and I took a chance and made these tonight! Delicious!!! I’m Puerto Rican but my paternal grandma whose no longer with us was Mexican… I think I did her proud! Thank you!!!

1. Pati Jinich
  
  Sep 24
  
  Awesome Chalymar, so glad you gave this recipe a chance, thanks to you!
  
Elizabeth Alonzo

Oct 28

I have been recording your Show. And I’m finally watching them . You are an amazing Mexican mother cook !
All my family has pass on. I have no recipes ..
So am sitting here in my vehicle to write down the Sweet Potato with black bean Recipe.
Am picking up my grandson from school..
Can you tell me , what cookbook Should I purchase please …

1. Pati Jinich
  
  Oct 29
  
  Oh I have two cookbooks…here’s some more info: http://patijinich.com/pati_2020/cookbooks/book/ I hope your grandson enjoys the tamales, Elizabeth.
  
Inma

Oct 19

Tuve la oportunidad de verte preparando estos tamales en su programa de TV y me parecieron muy originales y creativos. Hoy mismo he tenido el tiempo de prepararlos siguiendo tu receta al pie de la letra. Tengo que decir que la masa ha salido super deliciosa, esponjosa y ligera. El sabor es sorprendente, una mezcla de camote asado y el sabor peculiar del maíz nixtamalizado. Preparé los frijoles refritos también con tu receta, pero añadiendo unos chiles serranos para darle un toque picante a los frijoles. Una receta muy otoñal. ¡Gracias Pati por tu investigación para realizar esta receta y compartirla con todos!

Voy a presentarlos en mi curso de Spanish Food Writing en la Universidad de Western Kentucky. Mis estudiantes tendrán la oportunidad de probarlos y luego prepararlos ellos mismos durante nuestra sesión de “cooking for writing”.

1. Pati Jinich
  
  Oct 19
  
  Mil gracias, Inma! I hope your class loves the tamales.
  
R Flores

Sep 22

Dear Pati,

These came out absolutely delicious. I will be serving them at a program at our library soon. On behalf of all of us with Mexican heritage, a great big beso, embrazo and thank you! You make us proud!

1. Pati Jinich
  
  Sep 24
  
  Oh wow…thank you so much! Big hugs back at you.
  
DORATTA FROST

Sep 02

Hi Pati…I have made your tamales several times now…love them…fun to make…I was wondering if you could give me some different ideas to put inside of the tamales other than beans…..love to watch your show on PBS….love your sons….thank you for sharing your talents….

1. Pati Jinich
  
  Sep 03
  
  Oh I have lots of tamales recipes…here are some, and there are more on my site and in my cookbooks: http://patijinich.com/pati_2020/tamales-coloraditos/ http://patijinich.com/pati_2020/blackberry-and-pecan-tamales/ http://patijinich.com/pati_2020/chicken-in-green-salsa-tamal/
  
Mary P

Jul 02

My husband is a vegetarian and diabetic. I have to watch out for high carbs and sugar content. He wants me to make the Sweet Potato Tamales. Can you provide the nutritional value?

1. Pati Jinich
  
  Jul 03
  
  I’m sorry, Mary, but I don’t track the nutritional value of the recipes.
  
DORATTA FROST

Apr 19

I loved you and your friend making the tamales. I have never made them before but I am going to try…You gave a great demo….love your show…thank you for showing how to cook wonderful Mexican foods….one of my favorites…,

1. Pati Jinich
  
  Apr 19
  
  Thank you so much, Doratta! Have lots of fun making the tamales.
  
  1. DORATTA FROST
    
    Jun 06
    
    Hi Pati….I DID IT I DID IT I DID IT!!!!!So easy…they are steaming now…but putting them together was fun and easy….I am a 73 years young senior….love to cook from scratch….wish you could join me…happy cooking….
    
  2. DORATTA FROST
    
    Jun 07
    
    I am eating a tamale as I type….soooooo GOODDDD….thank you for the recipe….I some over to my 89 years young neighbor…mmmmmmmm
    
    1. Pati Jinich
      
      Jun 07
      
      Awesome!
      
Antonia

Apr 08

A friend had surgery, I told i would like to make a meal for her family,
She let me know they were vegan.
I saw your recipe for sweet potato tamales. Yummm!! They are excelente and easy to make. Thank you Pati I love you cooking and personality.

1. Pati Jinich
  
  Apr 13
  
  Oh I hope your friend is doing well, Antonia…and I’m so glad you enjoyed making the tamales.
  
Kathy S.

Feb 21

These came out delicious, one of the best veggie tamales I’ve ever had. Thanks Pati.

1. Pati
  
  Feb 21
  
  Awesome! So happy to hear this, Kathy.
  
Jacqueline Church

Dec 02

Making these tomorrow! Cannot wait. What a wonderful flavor combination. I plan on making a salsa roja with guajillo and chipotle to drizzle on top, I think it will go well with these flavors. Stay tuned!

1. Pati
  
  Dec 02
  
  Mmmmmm….hope you love it all, Jacqueline.
  
Wanda D. in Las Vegas Nv

Oct 27

hi Pati, in what season will I be able to find the recipes for the ollowing dishes
Mexican Steak Salad
Tuna casserole
and
drunken rice wih chicken

1. Pati
  
  Oct 29
  
  Oh those are all from different seasons (6,4, and 3)…here are the recipes: http://patijinich.com/pati_2020/recipe/mexican-grilled-steak-salad/ http://patijinich.com/pati_2020/recipe/tuna-minilla-casserole/ http://patijinich.com/pati_2020/recipe/drunken-rice-with-chicken/ Enjoy, Wanda!
  
Tim D. in Chico, CA

Oct 09

I’m going to try substituting the sweet potato with acorn squash which I have dozens in the garden. I’ve made tamales with sweet potato using your recipe and they were fantastic. Except that the squash might have a bit more liquid in the flesh, in which case I might adjust the amount of broth, I’m guessing it could work just fine. Any thoughts?

1. Pati
  
  Oct 18
  
  Give it a try, Tim… and let me know how it goes.
  
Yolanda V.

Oct 05

Hola Pati, acabo de ver tu programa, lucen espectaculares esos tamales y todo el complemento que hiciste para acompañarlos. Definitivamente voy a intentarlos. Mil gracias por hacer la cocina más divertida.

1. Pati
  
  Oct 08
  
  Uy mil gracias, Yolanda!
  
Nicole

Oct 04

Not gonna lie, I’ve always been able to eat about a dozen tamales. Soy una comelona! Can’t wait to try this!!

1. Pati
  
  Oct 06
  
  Oh I can never just have a few tamales either, Nicole 😀
  
Susan

Sep 07

Sounds absolutely Wonderful

1. Pati
  
  Sep 10
  
  Thanks Susan 🙂
  
Anonymous

Aug 04

I saw the tv episode where a salad and dressing was prepared with this
dish. Would like the salad recipe.

1. Pati
  
  Aug 06
  
  Here it is: http://patijinich.com/pati_2020/recipe/avocado-watercress-and-pecan-salad/ Enjoy!
  
Willie E. Gaines

Jul 23

So happy to get the sweet potato tamales receipe,they look so good when I saw you making them.
My email is gaineswillie669@gmail.com

1. Pati
  
  Jul 25
  
  Have fun making and eating them, Willie!
  
Antonia Olvera

Jun 16

Se ven tan ricos! Que los voy a hacer ahora mismo

1. Pati
  
  Jun 18
  
  Super!
  
Jessica

May 13

Saludos Pati
I saw an episode where a recipe for elote was featured. The result was a creamy corn mixture. It may have been the episode showing street food. Can I have the link to those recipes?

1. Pati
  
  May 15
  
  Here’s the corn recipe, and the others from the Street Food Episode. Enjoy them, Jessica!
  http://patijinich.com/pati_2020/recipe/street-corn/
  http://patijinich.com/pati_2020/recipe/churros/
  http://patijinich.com/pati_2020/recipe/homemade-cajeta-or-dulce-de-leche/
  http://patijinich.com/pati_2020/recipe/miner-style-enchiladas/
  
Maggie

May 13

So excited to try this recipe

1. Pati
  
  May 14
  
  Enjoy them Maggie!
  
Jenise

Apr 21

Hi Pati – I love your program! Can you please give us the recipe for the salad (and dressing) that you did on this program also?

Gracias!

1. Pati
  
  Apr 23
  
  Here you go, Jenise: http://patijinich.com/pati_2020/recipe/avocado-watercress-and-pecan-salad/
  
Anonymous

Apr 20

Does, Pati have a meat Tamales recipe.????

1. Pati
  
  Apr 23
  
  Yes I do! Here are a few: http://patijinich.com/pati_2020/recipe/tamales-coloraditos/ http://patijinich.com/pati_2020/recipe/mini-pibis/ http://patijinich.com/pati_2020/recipe/chicken-in-green-salsa-tamal/
  
Deborah

Feb 10

Looked amazing! Just saw it on tv. missed the recipe for the pepper mole type sauce! Do u have that recipe? Did it mention a red chili pepper with the flavor of chocolate? I love that please tell me and share! thank you or should I say gracias!! 😎🙏😎👍

1. Pati
  
  Feb 13
  
  Oh here it is Deborah: http://patijinich.com/pati_2020/recipe/coloradito-chicken/ Enjoy!
  
Luz

Feb 10

I have allergies to corn and wheat flower….is it possible to substitute with garbanzo or quinoa flower?

1. Pati
  
  Feb 19
  
  Yes absolutely, give it a try!
  
Laura Thacker

Feb 01

Oh. My. God. These are to die for, absolutely to die for. My sister, husband, & I all have different tastes yet we all loved them. If you double the recipe can you freeze them?

1. Pati
  
  Feb 01
  
  I’m so happy you loved them! They can be frozen for months…then reheat them a steamer – about 45 minutes for frozen tamales.
  
Jamie

Jan 04

Hi Patty. Not sure if my last comment went through or not. Do you think it would be ok if I cut back on the shortening to save calories?
Thanks!

1. Pati
  
  Jan 08
  
  It will definitely change the texture…
  
Susan

Jan 02

Hi, Patti! Can you used butter instead of the lard or shortening?

1. Pati
  
  Jan 04
  
  Yes you can!
  
D. Green

Dec 31

Wow, just Wow. I loved these. Most tamales are too spicy for me but these are perfect. Thank You so Much

1. Pati
  
  Jan 02
  
  YAY!
  
Michelle Setzer

Dec 24

Have loved your show for years! And meeting you at Mexican Fiesta in Milwaukee a few years ago. Making these two recipes today for Christmas Eve dinner. Feliz Navidad!

1. Pati
  
  Dec 26
  
  It was so great meeting you Michelle! I hope you had a delicious Christmas Eve!
  
Annette Naranjo

Dec 18

I love your show! I love to see how you enjoy that very first bite of food! 😁
I’ve never made tamales before! I love learning in the kitchen and trying new recipes. It gives me such a boost of confidence in myself and my cooking!
Making these for Christmas!

Thank you

1. Pati
  
  Dec 18
  
  Oh that first bite is always so amazing!
  
Annette Naranjo

Dec 17

I have never made tamales before but watching your show really inspires me to expand my learning in the kitchen!
I love learning and trying new recipes it builds up confidence in me and my cooking.
I love watching you enjoy that first bite of food! 😁

Thank you!

1. Pati
  
  Dec 22
  
  Thank you so much Annette for your comment! I’m so glad you were inspired and have more confidence!
  
Kathy Patterson

Dec 17

HI Patti really enjoy all your shows. For this Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tamale recipe — is the secrete to a fluffy tamale using a beater and beating until light and fluffy? Can I use a prepared masa for tamales that I can buy in my local store?

1. Pati
  
  Dec 29
  
  Yes you want the masa to be light and fluffy…and you can use prepared masa.
  
  1. Martha Baylon-Futterman
    
    Feb 05
    
    What would the masa/sweet potatoe ratio be when using prepared masa?
    
    1. Pati
      
      Feb 05
      
      It’s the same…you still use two pounds of sweet potatoes 🙂
      
Louisa Santiago

Dec 17

Hello Pati , I love watching your show. I am so glad I tuned into you show today I got the tail end of the where you were spooning the tamale mass on the husk. My daughter loves tamales but does not eat them any longer bcz she has became a vegan for over 5 yrs now and I feel bad st xmas time when we all are eating beef, chicken , green chile and cheese, or pork tamales. I would love to make these with her. I can’t wait to taste them for myself they look so smooth and fluffy and with a little bit of sweet yummy I love sweet… lol thank you for your time and your recipes .

1. Pati
  
  Dec 18
  
  I hope you and your daughter enjoy them and have a happy holiday!
  
Elena Hopkins

Dec 17

Love, love your show. I am going to make the sweet potato tamales for Christmas. Happy Holidays Pati ♡♡

1. Pati
  
  Dec 18
  
  Happy Holidays to you too, Elena!
  
Annie Featheringill

Dec 13

My girls are 5 &7 yrs old (have a son too1yr old ) we love watching your show together. They call me in when it comes on its “our show”. I love how your boys cook with you. Food is such a great way to bond and be creative. I love how close we feel as we cook together. I only hope my children will continue to spend time with me in the kitchen as your do. You are so inspiring as a cook and a mother!

1. Pati
  
  Dec 14
  
  I hope you and your three kids have many fun-filled kitchen adventures together, Annie!
  
Judith Conde

Nov 07

Hi Pati, Im from México and I never see the mexican recipes like i do now!! Really love your program and I want to start cooking with al the mexicans flavors! Thanks for your recipes!!

1. Pati
  
  Nov 07
  
  Thank YOU so much Judith!
  
Liz

Oct 19

I would love the comparison of calories and fat to ones that are fried in oil. I couldn’t find the nutrition page for this. These looked amazing. I love watching you cook, and my kids do to. Thanks. My daughter really likes your accent. 🙂

1. Pati
  
  Oct 25
  
  Thank you for tuning in with your kids Liz! I don’t track the nutritional information.
  
Liliana Alarcón

Oct 16

Hola Patty!
Hoy vi tu show y lloré y lloré!!!
Soy mexicana y vivo en Colorado, la verdad me dieron ganas de regresar a México, no se cuando voy a volver, pero una cosa que sí voy a hacer es cocinar tus recetas tan deliciosas y llenas de sabor, pero sobretodo de amor, nosotros los mexicanos relacionamos mucho el amor a las personas y el invitarlos a comer comida preparada por nosotros mismos, ahí está nuestro cariño, y el tiempo que invertí en prepararla y sobretodo la satisfacción de saber que les gustó!
Eres una mujer muy especial, bendiciones para ti y tu hermosa familia!!!

1. Pati
  
  Nov 13
  
  Gracias por tu mensaje tan lindo, Liliana!
  
Cher

Oct 15

Watched all day. Luv her show and the way she explains how to do meals. Making sweet potato tamales can’t wait till there done. Keep up the great show. You are so appriciated. Makes me hungry watching, wish I could visit the places she goes tho…………I would probly never leave. Lol

1. Pati
  
  Oct 20
  
  Thank you so much Cher!!!
  
Kay Lambert

Oct 15

Can’t wait to try this recipe. I love all kinds of ethnic cuisine but my husband is a meat and potato man. He does love tacos and enchiladas rice and refried beans. I think he will like this dish. Thank you so much for your show.

1. Pati
  
  Oct 20
  
  I hope he enjoys the tamales, Kay…and many other recipes :).
  
Claudia Montoya

Oct 14

This looks so good. In New Mexico we make our traditional pork tamales with red Chile. I’ve always wanted a sweet one and something different.. I just saw your show for the first time and loved it. Thank you for your passion with food.

1. Pati
  
  Oct 20
  
  I’m so happy you discovered the show Claudia!
  
Eugenia

Oct 07

These tamales are perfect for Thanksgiving. I absolutely love your show and your charisma. I am Salvadorian and I relate so much to Oaxacan food because our ingredients are so similar. Thanks for sharing all the history and culture.

1. Pati
  
  Oct 12
  
  Thank YOU Eugenia for your message!
  
Horace

Oct 07

Obviously, you add some sweet potato with the black beans before you wrap the tamales?

1. Pati
  
  Oct 12
  
  I incorporate the sweet potato directly into the masa.
  
Jill

Sep 29

These sound really good and my “Nebraska Box” of fresh organic vegetables has sweet potatoes in it this week. I have the rest of the ingredients in stock Yay! Tamales for dinner.

1. Pati
  
  Oct 02
  
  What good timing!
  
Valeria

Sep 23

I love when you make vegetarian recipes

1. Pati
  
  Sep 25
  
  Yay!!!
  
Anonymous

Sep 22

Do you have a video of how to make this recipe?

1. Pati
  
  Sep 22
  
  I don’t have this video up on YouTube yet, but this episode is currently airing on many PBS stations. You can find air times here http://www.tracmedia.com/LOL/PatisMexicanTable2/ Also here is a video with some tips on how to make tamales https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyR8kno58GU
  
Jamie

Sep 18

I saw this episode on Saturday and this tamale looked delicious! Also appreciated the vegetarian feast you made!

I was hoping to use this sweet potato masa and black bean combo to make a modified tamal casserole from your Mexican Today cookbook. Is there a specific salsa you would use to layer in and keep things moist?

1. Pati
  
  Sep 25
  
  I would use the Guajillo salsa http://patijinich.com/pati_2020/recipe/guajillo-chile-salsa/
  
Kathy Koch 2256 Overlook Drive Bloomington, MN 55431

Sep 16

D ear Pati,

I have low vision and can no longer read my email. Is there any way that I can receive your recipes in the mail? I will, pf course, send money for postage.

I’m a new viewer of your show and look forward to it every week. Thank you for your time and attention.

1. Pati
  
  Sep 25
  
  Thank you so much for watching Kathy! I’m so happy you discovered the show. You can print the recipes directly from the website and on your printer zoom in to make the text bigger. The print button is to the right of the recipes title and just above where the amount of servings is written. I hope you enjoy the recipes!
  
Patricia Merritt

Sep 16

I love watching Pati’s Mexican Table. Pati explains so perfectly how to remake her recipes and the history that makes each one so rich and flavorful.

1. Pati
  
  Sep 19
  
  Thank you Patricia!

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