Budin de Tamal Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds chicken tamales (see Cook’s Tip)
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 cup prepared salsa verde
• 1/4 cup Mexican crema (see Cook’s Tip)
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• GARNISH (optional):
• Chopped cilantro

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Grease an 8-inch casserole dish. Cut tamales crosswise into 1-inch thick slices. Lay half of them in a single layer on the bottom of the baking dish.
3. Layer ingredients, spreading evenly, as follows: 1 cup chicken, 1/2 cup salsa, 2 Tbsp crema, 1 cup cheese, remaining tamale slices, chicken, salsa, crema, and cheese.
4. Cover casserole with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes. Cheese should be golden and bubbly and interior should be hot. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro, if desired.
5. Cook’s Tips:
6. If you are using frozen tamales, defrost before preparing the casserole.
7. If Mexican crema isn’t available, stir 2-3 Tbsp water into 1/4 cup sour cream to use as a substitute.