Spinach and Mushroom Tamale Filling

Elevate your homemade tamales with this vibrant, savory Spinach and Mushroom Tamale Filling, a vegetarian delight that’s both hearty and packed with flavor. Sautéed onions, garlic, and earthy button mushrooms create a rich base, while fresh, wilted spinach adds a burst of color and nutrients. Aromatic spices like cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika infuse the filling with a warm, smoky depth, and a touch of optional queso fresco or shredded cheese delivers a creamy finish. Ready in just 25 minutes, this versatile filling is perfect for crafting tamales that are wholesome yet indulgent. It’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that celebrates fresh ingredients, making it a must-try for your next tamale-making adventure.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 8 ounces button mushrooms, finely chopped
• 6 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.5 cups queso fresco or shredded cheese (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the finely chopped mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and begin to brown.

Step 5

Mix in the chopped spinach a handful at a time, allowing it to wilt before adding more, until all the spinach is incorporated.

Step 6

Stir in the ground cumin, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, combining everything thoroughly. Cook for 2 more minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 7

Remove the skillet from heat and let the filling cool slightly.

Step 8

If desired, stir in the queso fresco or shredded cheese for added creaminess.

Step 9

Use immediately as a tamale filling or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(865.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	805.3

Total Fat 56.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 21.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 85.5mg	0%
Sodium 3526.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 41.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.4g	0%
Total Sugars 15.0g
Protein 41.9g	0%

Vitamin D 15.9IU	0%
Calcium 1091.2mg	0%
Iron 14.4mg	0%
Potassium 3124.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 60.3%

Protein: 19.9%

Carbs: 19.8%