Hermosa Mexican Foods

Earlier this summer, I was stumped about what to get for dinner at farmers market, and one of my friends mentioned how much she loved the tamales from Hermosa Mexican Foods. Tucked away in the bakery aisle, she swore these tamales were the best around. With such high praise, I decided I’d forgo yet another naan burrito and try a tamal tonight.
Um, Best. Decision. Ever. Those were seriously the best tamales I’ve had – no offense, Aunt Sarah! Ever since that first bite, I’ve been coming to Hermosa’s booth every week to pick up a tamal or two for dinner. (Yes, tamal. Here’s a Spanish lesson for you – there’s no such thing as a «tamale.» The singular of «tamales» is «tamal.»)
The tamales are steamed, really the best way to eat a tamal. The corn husk keeps the moisture in, making for a good, smooth masa wrapped around the meat. (And if eating a fresh tamal for dinner isn’t your style, you can buy frozen ones to cook up yourself at home.)
My favorite tamal has to be the chicken, prepared with a green tomatillo sauce. It’s got a nice, light flavor, with a bit of a peppery kick. But I’m also a fan of the pork tamales, served with a red chile colorado sauce. Everyone claims this is the spicier variety, but I don’t see it – to me the pork tamales are sweeter than the chicken ones. (And speaking of spicy – the accompanying spicy salsa really is good and spicy, just how I like it!)
I’ve never had the vegetarian option with beans – I’m not a fan of beans. (I know, I’m a bad Mexican.) I’ve also never had one of the elusive dessert tamales they offered last summer, but I’ve long been hoping one day they’ll magically appear at the booth at market.
Alas, I’m so sad to report that Hermosa Mexican Foods won’t be at farmers markets until next year. Such a bummer! Apparently they’ve got a conflict and won’t be back until next year, either in January or maybe even May. In the meantime, I’ll have to look elsewhere for my tamales and I’ve had to say good-​bye to Tamal Tuesday.