Masa for Tamales

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups masa harina (see Note)
• 1 1/2 cups hot water
• 1 cup cold lard
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 cup cold chicken stock or low-sodium broth

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, stir the masa harina with the water until evenly moistened; let cool.
2. In the bowl of a standing electric mixer fitted with the paddle, beat the lard with the baking powder and salt at medium speed until fluffy, about 3 minutes.
3. With the machine on, add the masa in golf-ball-size lumps, then drizzle in the chicken stock and beat the masa until completely smooth.
4. Increase the speed to high and beat until fluffy, about 3 minutes; the texture should resemble soft hummus.