20 tamale recipes

Sole or cod steamed in corn husks with poblanos, roasted red peppers, tomatoes, and garlic. A Mexican-inspired fish preparation that cooks like a tamale with bright chile flavors and zero cleanup.

Beef tamale pie with seasoned ground beef, peppers, salsa, and black olives sandwiched between two layers of golden cornbread, topped with melted Colby Jack. A potluck-sized 9x13 crowd-pleaser that serves 12.

Onion vetha kozhambu, a tangy South Indian tamarind gravy simmered with small onions, sambar powder, and a hit of hing, thickened with rice flour. A bold, sour-spicy Tamil curry to spoon over hot rice. Vegan.

Asafetida, mango powder, and black salt distinguish the chat masala from other masalas, giving the blend a sourness that makes it a welcome accompaniment to fresh fruit and other snacks. 'Chat' refers to various snacks and to the North Indian cafes that serve them. Fresh fruit often is sprinkled with lime juice and chat masala. Black salt (which is actually reddish gray), available at Indian food stores, has a distinctive flavor that's quite different from sea salt or table salt. The garam masala is the wild card in this recipe; either one of the (Tamil Nadu Curry Powder or Punjabi-Style Garam Masala) masalas may be used.