5 spots to stock up on tamales in Albuquerque

Nov. 10—Tamales are delicious seasonal food made of meat or vegetables wrapped in masa, a paste made from corn flour mixed with lard or shortening, folded in a corn husk, then steamed.

Many people rely on their abuelas or tías to make tamales every holiday, but for those who don't have that option, here are five places in Albuquerque to get your tamales by the dozen.

El Modelo

First opened in 1929 this establishment offers fresh, never frozen tamales made entirely from local ingredients. Pickup orders can be placed over the phone by calling 505-242-1843. The last call for pickup orders is 6:30 p.m.

LOCATION: 1715 Second SW, 505-242-1843

COST: $45 per dozen; $22.80 per half-dozen; $3.80 for one

HOURS: 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Daily

El Dorado Bakery

This bakery sells authentic Mexican pastries, menudo, homemade tortillas and breakfast tortas.

LOCATIONS: 640 Coors NW, 505-508-4932; 2125 Broadway SE, 505-247-2979; 3041 Isleta SW, 505-200-2676

COST: $22 per dozen; $12 per half-dozen; $3 for one

HOURS: Coors: 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; Broadway: 6:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Daily; Isleta: 7a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday; 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday; 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday

La Mexicana Tortilla Co.

This restaurant has been family own and operated for more than 90 years. Orders can be placed online.

LOCATION: 304 Coal SW, 505-242-2558

COST: $30 per dozen; $15 per half-dozen; $3.50 for one

HOURS: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; Closed Sunday-Tuesday

Kathy's Carry Out

In operation for more than 35 years, this restaurant serves authentic Mexican food made fresh daily. Fresh tamales are available daily after 4 p.m.

LOCATION: 823 Isleta SW, 505-873-3472

COST: $27 per dozen; $13.50 per half-dozen; $3 for one

HOURS: 9 a.m.-8:30 p.m.

Cervantes Restaurant and Lounge

This restaurant focuses on fresh ingredients and traditional time-honored recipes that remain the same through the years. Cervantes has been serving the area for more than four decades.

LOCATION: 5801 Gibson SE, 505-262-2253

COST: $26 per dozen; $13 per half dozen; $3 for one

HOURS: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday; Closed Sunday and Monday

El Mezquite Market

This market offers everything you might need if you want to try your hand at making tamales yourself at home, even the pot for steaming.

LOCATION: 4401 Fourth NW, 505-344-3235; 100 98th NW, 505-839-8377; 3765 Isleta SW, 505-877-0980; 201 San Pedro SE, 505-255-1163

HOURS: Fourth NW, 98th NW, Isleta SW, 7 a.m.-10 p.m. daily; San Pedro 7 a.m.-9 p.m.