Tamale Soup
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Tamale soup is a warm and comforting dish that brings together the flavors of traditional tamales in a hearty, easy-to-make soup. With tender chicken, savory spices, and a delightful blend of beans and corn, this soup is perfect for any day of the week. Whether you’re cooking for the family or hosting friends, tamale soup is sure to impress everyone at the table.
How to Make Tamale Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup masa harina
- Water as needed
Directions:
- In a large pot, heat the chicken broth over medium heat.
- Add the onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
- Stir in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- In a separate bowl, mix masa harina with water to form a dough.
- Drop small balls of masa dough into the soup.
- Add shredded chicken and cook for about 15 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with your choice of toppings.
How to Serve Tamale Soup
Tamale soup is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it with various toppings. Consider adding fresh cilantro, diced avocado, sour cream, or shredded cheese. You can also serve it with warm corn tortillas or crusty bread for a complete meal.
How to Store Tamale Soup
If you have leftovers, let the soup cool to room temperature before storing it. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.
Tips to Make Tamale Soup
- For a spicier kick, add more chili powder or diced jalapeños.
- You can substitute the chicken with shredded pork or keep it vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding more beans.
- To make it creamier, stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk just before serving.
Variations
For a different twist, try adding different vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots. You can also experiment with different types of beans, such as kidney or pinto beans.
FAQs
Can I use fresh corn instead of canned?
Yes, fresh corn works perfectly! Just make sure to cook it until tender.
How can I thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, let it simmer longer without the lid or add more masa harina mixed with water.
Can I prepare this soup in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the soup a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight.

Tamale Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- to taste salt and pepper
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup masa harina
- as needed water to form a dough
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, heat the chicken broth over medium heat.
- Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until soft.
- Stir in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- In a separate bowl, mix masa harina with water to form a dough.
- Drop small balls of masa dough into the soup.
- Add shredded chicken and cook for about 15 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with your choice of toppings.
