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: 8 Corn on the Cob; 100 g Lard; 3 Poblano Chile; 150 g Fresh Cheese (Queso Fresco); 6 Tomatillo (Green tomato); 1 bunch Cilantro; 15 Corn Husks for Tamales; 1 tbsp Salt

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

Edmond Bojalil

Recetas Mexas

Published: Mar 24, 2026 · Updated: May 12, 2026

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

About this recipe

Chanchamitos are miniature Michoacan tamales made with fresh corn dough, filled with poblano chile 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 chile strips with fresh cheese and green salsa. They are a seasonal snack appearing during the rainy months when tender corn is available.

Estimated cost

$6.40

Total cost

$0.53

Per serving

* Approximate prices based on US supermarkets

Nutritional information per serving

220

Calories

Protein

28g

Carbohydrates

10g

Fat

Fiber

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.