Food is the very essence of life. We need it to nurish our bodies. Without proper nutrients our bodies weaken and become ill. We connect over the traditions of food. We hold certain meals as memories dear to our hearts. A certain smell can transport us to another time and place just with a minute whiff that will trigger past remembrances. Food is not only necessary to our daily lives, but for some of us it is soul-satisfying for who we are as individuals.
Tamale making is a methodical process that is not only a rhythm of hands to ingredients, but also a replication of tradition. While the ingredients can differ from recipe to family, one missed step of the process and you have essentially failed the food. The preparation of the ingredients - mixing the masa with your hands until you have the perfect consistancy; shredding or slicing the cheese; roasting and cleaning the green chiles, then slicing them - all becomes second nature as your mind goes to a quiet place of peacefulness. No words are necessary during the process. No second-guessing. No direction. The steps nurture and calm the soul during application of masa to husk, and stuffing and rolling to create that bundle. The actions become automatic and the tamale pile grows until the masa runs out and you begin the next step.
The scents of cooking masa and the hint of spicy chiles fill the air as they steam. Smell is a remembrance of the last time you made them and the pleasure of eating them. Your soul begins to tingle with satisfaction of a job well-done, along with hunger-pangs of impatience to unwrap and taste the first one. Don't peek. Don't second guess. They are ready when they are ready. Some things are worth being patient for. It makes us savor them and cherish them that much more.
The excitement when the timer goes off, and you peel away the husk, and the masa has now gone from batter-form to solid containing the luscious treat inside the tamale pocket. The flavors explode on your tongue - salty and spicy masa, mellow warm cheese and tangy heat from the chile. Job well done. Nothing else is needed.
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