TamalesMediumFree

Chanchamitos (Michoacán Miniature Tamales)

Name: Chanchamitos (Michoacán Miniature Tamales)
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 85 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 3 Poblano Chilli; 1 bunch Coriander; 8 Corn on the Cob; 15 Corn Husks for Tamales; 100 g Lard; 150 g Fresh Cheese (Queso Fresco); 1 tbsp Salt; 6 Tomatillo (Green tomato)

4.0(1 rating)

85 min (40 prep + 45 cook) Medium 12 servings Michoacán

Edmond Bojalil

Recetas Mexas

Published: 24 Mar 2026 · Updated: 11 Jun 2026

Miniature Michoacan tamales of fresh corn dough with chilli strips, cheese and green salsa.

About this recipe

Chanchamitos are miniature Michoacan tamales made with fresh corn dough, filled with poblano chilli strips, cheese and green salsa.

History & Origin

Chanchamitos are a miniature tamal variety from Michoacan, deeply rooted in the Purepecha communities around Lake Patzcuaro. The dough is prepared with tender corn kernels that are ground, giving a softer and slightly sweeter texture. The classic filling is poblano chilli strips with fresh cheese and green salsa. They are a seasonal snack appearing during the rainy months when tender corn is available.

Estimated cost

£25.23

Total cost

£2.10

Per serving

* Approximate prices based on UK supermarkets

Nutritional information per serving

220

Calories

Protein

28g

Carbohydrates

10g

Fat

Fibre

350mg

Sodium

* Approximate values. May vary depending on ingredients used.

Method

1
Desgrana 8 elotes tiernos. Muele los granos en procesador. Si usas masa, mezcla 600 g con 200 ml de leche.
💡 El elote tierno da la textura auténtica.
2
Mezcla la masa con 100 g de manteca derretida, sal y polvo para hornear.
3
Asa 3 chiles poblanos, pélalos y córtalos en rajas. Mezcla con 150 g de queso fresco en cubos.
4
Prepara salsa verde: cuece 6 tomatillos y 2 chiles serranos. Licua con cilantro, cebolla y sal.
5
Extiende masa en hojas de maíz remojadas. Pon rajas con queso y salsa. Envuelve en paquetes pequeños.
6
Cuece al vapor 40-45 minutos. Sirve con más salsa verde.

Have you tried this recipe?

Tell us how it turned out. Your feedback helps other cooks.

Leave a review

The Strangest and Most Delicious Tamales in Mexico

The Complete Guide to Mexican Tamales: Regional Varieties Explained

Rate this recipe

Edmond Bojalil

Founder, Recetas Mexas

Mexican from Puebla, IT professional and foodie. Author of 1000+ authentic Mexican recipes adapted for home kitchens worldwide. Based in Madrid since 2018.