tamalitos aka little tamales (sallye)

How To Make tamalitos aka little tamales (sallye)

• Step 1
  Cut 30 pieces of heavy duty foil into 6" x 6" squares and set aside. Dice the cooked chicken into chunks and set aside. Mix the chicken broth and oil together until fuzed into a smooth liquid and set aside.
• Step 2
  Note: you are going to need 2 food processors (or you will have to wash one between the recipe steps.)
• Step 3
  Place masa harina and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt in food processor and process on medium for 2 seconds (just until blended). Leave the motor running, and slowly pour the broth and oil mixture though the food tube (my processor has a small opening for pouring liquids in during processing). Continue processing until you have a thick paste. If you need to use the same processor, transfer the dough to a clean glass bowl and set aside.
• Step 4
  Peel and quarter the onion and place in clean food processor. Add drained chiles to the processor and pulse 4-5 times until onion and chiles are coarsely diced. Add diced chicken, the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt, and salsa to the processor. Pulse additional 2-4 times until you have a nice chicken stuffing. Don't over process, you want the stuffing to be a little chunky.
• Step 5
  Cover a large portion of your counter with parchment paper (or use a large cutting board or baking sheet.
• Step 6
  Put the foil squares within easy reach, along with the bowl of masa harina paste and the container of chicken mixture.
• Step 7
  Lay one piece of foil on work surface. Place about 1-1/2 tablespoons of masa paste on foil, spreading it out into a 3 inch square.
• Step 8
  Add about 1-1/2 tablespoons chicken mixture on each masa square, positioning it down the center of the masa.
• Step 9
  Fold foil edges together so that masa edges meet, then seal all sides.
• Step 10
  Continue until you have used all the masa and chicken mixture. You will have approximately 30 packets. Arrange packets in a pyramid in the top portion of a steamer pot. Do not let the water touch the packets!!! Cover tightly and steam over simmering water for about 45 minutes. Unwrap and serve hot.
• Step 11
  Note: If you don't have a steamer pot, you can make a substitute. Crunch up foil until you have two runners about 2" tall. Place these runners in the bottom of a heavy stewpot and place an inverted metal cake tin over them. This will elevate the packets above the water and allow for the steaming water to do its job.
• Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!