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The student news site of Hoover High School

The Cardinal

The student news site of Hoover High School

The Cardinal

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A versatile Latin dish with flare

A+versatile+Latin+dish+with+flare

Tamales are a creative and popular meal in Latin America. These delicious delights can be eaten in a variety of ways and can be modified to unique preferences.

The variety of fillings, sauces, and toppings make tamales a unique dish. You can serve them with a variety of side dishes, such as rice, beans, or avocado, and can improve the whole meal experience. Tamales aren’t limited to a certain mealtime. They are eaten for breakfast in certain parts of the country, usually with a side of hot chocolate, and as a solid dinner choice in others. Some sauces range from mild to spicy and give an added layer of flavor and can be modified to  your personal level of heat.

Tamales are generally made by putting masa (corn dough) over a corn husk and filling it with a variety of fillings. Fillings can include seasoned meats such as chicken, pork, or beef, as well as vegetarian options such as cheese, beans, and vegetables. You can find a variety of tamales made from corn in various places and cultures. For instance, “tamal de elote” is a sweet tamale made with fresh corn kernels and sugar, popular in Mexico. In contrast, there are savory tamales with corn and cheese, which are as delicious, and there is also strawberry and pineapple masa.

Tamale shells are typically covered in dried corn husks. The husks are given a water soak to make them more manageable, and the masa is then spread over them before the filling is added. Now in  several countries, street food vendors frequently sell tamales. They are an easy-to-access and delicious solution for people on the go because you can find them at food stands, fairs, and festivals. But making your own tamales at home is a highlight of many special occasions and holidays, and many families have their own unique tamale recipes handed down from generation to generation. Tamales are a convenient method to eat this traditional dish and may be seen on the menus of many Latin American and Mexican restaurants.

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About the Contributor
Emanuel Cruz
Emanuel Cruz, Staff Writer

Emanuel Cruz is a junior at Hoover High School. He was born on April 13, raised in San Diego, California, by his parents who immigrated to live the American Dream. He has two older siblings but he will be the first one in his family to graduate from Hoover, as the class of 2025. He also has two cats that he treasures and loves. He doesn’t really have a plan after high school but does want to attend SDSU. He wishes to have a career and is inspired by both his sister and brother.

Outside of school he enjoys watching movies and of course playing video games. His current favorite movies are Everything Everywhere All At Once, Interstellar, and La La Land. As for his video games, they are Roblox, Good Pizza Great Pizza, and Mario Kart 8. But something else that he absolutely loves is FOOD! His favorite dish is chilaquiles with a cold glass of Iced Tea.

He hopes to work in the medical field, but can’t decide on which career. What he does know is that he wants to help people whether that be helping them physically or mentally. He is currently in FACES and in Cardinals Interact which are programs that will expose him to decide which career is the best option for him.