Mutton Tamales

Mutton tamales are a savory Mexican dish where seasoned shredded mutton is wrapped in a corn masa dough, often with a chili-based sauce, and then steamed in corn husks. They are a regional specialty, particularly popular in areas with strong sheep-herding traditions like Northern Mexico and the Southwestern United States. The dish is a hearty, flavorful variation of the classic tamal.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is a balanced source of protein and carbohydrates, with a moderate amount of fat depending on the cut of mutton and any added lard in the masa. It provides key nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins from the meat, along with fiber and minerals from the corn dough.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	450 kcal
Protein	25 g
Carbs	40 g
Fat	20 g
Fiber	5 g
Sugar	2 g
Sodium	650 mg
Iron	4.5 mg
Zinc	5.0 mg
Vitamin B12	2.8 mcg
Niacin (B3)	8.0 mg
Phosphorus	300 mg
Selenium	20 mcg
Potassium	450 mg
Magnesium	55 mg

Per 2 medium tamales (approx. 280 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, mutton tamales reflect a fusion of Indigenous Mesoamerican cooking techniques (the tamal) with ingredients introduced by Spanish colonists (sheep). Nutritionally, using mutton offers a distinct, richer flavor and a different mineral profile compared to more common pork or chicken versions.