Alright, we know your nana's tamales are better ... But for those of us without a nana or an assembly line of family members willing to spend six hours molding masa, here are five Tucson fallbacks.
Some of these options are restaurants, and some are people who sell them out of their homes. Bring them to your party, and people will love you ...
Sonora Style Tamales
This is a strawberry tamal from Sonora Style Tamales, pictured at last year's Tucson Tamal & Heritage Festival.
Sonora Style Tamales is a regular participant in the Tucson Tamal & Heritage Festival at Casino del Sol. In addition to the strawberry tamales pictured above, they also do corn, beef, pineapple and spinach. To order, call 520-471-9449.
Sandra's
The red beef tamal from Sandra's, pictured during last year's Tucson Tamal & Heritage Festival.
In addition to the regular veggie and red chile tamales, Sandra's also makes Salvadorean tamales with chicken wrapped in banana leaves. To order, call 949-459-3200 or email celinagonz66@gmail.com
Lerua's Fine Mexican Foods
Alicia Ramirez, left, and Josephina Espinoza de Luna make tamales at Lerua’s Fine Mexican Foods.
This family-owned restaurant at 2005 E. Broadway has been catering Mexican food since 1922. This year they're selling green corn, chicken, sweet bean, pumpkin, and red beef tamales with optional add-ons like jalapeños, olives and raisins. (Prices vary.) Call by Dec. 19 for pickup until 4 p.m. Christmas Eve. Call 520-624-0322
Tucson Tamale Company
The chile relleno tamale with fresh red roasted pepper masa from Tucson Tamale Company.
Tucson Tamale is your best bet for vegan and gluten-free options without any GMOs. With three locations and Christmas Day pickup, it's a reliable spot to get your green corn, green chile pork, red chile beef, chicken, etc. It's recommended you call a day ahead for hot tamales by the dozen:
- 520-305-4760 for the store at 2545 E. Broadway
- 520-298-8404 for the store at 7159 E. Tanque Verde
- 520-403-1888 for the store at 7286 N. Oracle Road
Tumerico
Tumerico tamales are made with organic ingredients and non-GMO corn.
This healthful Mexican restaurant Tumerico opened at 2526 E. Sixth St. in November of this year. Owner Wendy Garcia makes her tamales with non-GMO corn and strays away from the lard. This year she's doing vegan butternut squash and green chile cheese. (Prices vary.) To order, call 520-270-2055 after 2 p.m.
