Dreary day at the Farmers Market today. Overcast, cold, felt like rain. Even our beloved Golden Waffle did not hold its usual magic for me. I felt sorry for the vendors - what a miserable day to be outside trying to sell produce. I bought some vegetables including brocolli rabe, ginger, sweet potatoes, green onions, kale and chard, and some of Donna's Tamales to make at home.
Well, what was a lackluster shopping experience made for a delightful lunch experience. I sauteed the broccoli rabe in some olive oil with ginger and garlic, and heated up the tamales in the microwave. My plate looked and tasted like sunshine and warm days, rich in flavor and nutrition. I added a little chipotle salsa for just the right amount of acid and heat, and it was great.
The smoked cheddar and black bean tamale was rich and satisfying, and the sweet corn and roasted chile tamale was wonderfully fresh, like eating fresh summer corn straight off the cob. The masa, which is ground fresh daily, is lighter than what I have had at the traditional Mexican booths, and they use only vegetable broth in their recipes - the tamales are either vegetarian or vegan, and you don't miss the meat. The taste is completely satisfying, without that heavy feeling afterwards.
It's amazing how now matter what the weather can bring, how good you can feel when you are warmed and fortified on the inside.
