Tamale Soup with Tamale Dumplings: A Hearty and Flavorful Twist on a Classic Dish


Tamales are a beloved Mexican dish that combines masa (corn dough) with a variety of fillings, all wrapped up in a corn husk and steamed to perfection. But what if you could enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of tamales in a soup? Enter Tamale Soup with Tamale Dumplings, a hearty and satisfying dish that combines the savory essence of tamales with the ease of a soup format.

This dish features a rich, flavorful broth filled with tender vegetables and spices, topped with tamale dumplings made from masa dough. These dumplings cook directly in the broth, absorbing all the delicious flavors of the soup while offering the texture and taste of traditional tamales. Whether you’re craving a unique meal or need something hearty to warm you up, this tamale soup will quickly become a favorite.

In this article, we’ll take you through each step of making Tamale Soup with Tamale Dumplings, so you can create this delicious dish at home.

Ingredients for Tamale Soup with Tamale Dumplings

For the Soup:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or vegetable oil)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium carrot, diced
  • 1 medium bell pepper, chopped (optional)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
  • 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
  • 1 1/2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (optional, for added protein)
  • 1-2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional, for added greens)

For the Tamale Dumplings:

  • 2 cups masa harina (corn flour for tamales)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or melted butter)
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup cheese (such as shredded cheddar or cotija, optional for extra flavor)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for extra flavor)

Optional Garnishes:

  • Shredded cheese (cheddar, cotija, or mozzarella)
  • Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
  • Sour cream or lime wedges (for serving)

Equipment Needed:

  • Large soup pot or Dutch oven
  • Mixing bowls
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Ladle
  • Measuring spoons and cups

Step-by-Step Method to Make Tamale Soup with Tamale Dumplings