Do I need any prior cooking experience?

No, the class is designed for all skill levels and guided by expert instructors.

Will I get to eat the tamales I make?

Yes! You will enjoy tasting your freshly made tamales during the class.

Are ingredients provided in the class?

All ingredients and cooking tools are supplied as part of the experience.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?

Yes, please inform the school in advance to cater to allergies or dietary preferences.

How many people are in each class?

Classes are kept small to ensure personalized attention and a hands-on experience.

Do I receive recipes after the class?

Yes, each participant receives a recipe packet to recreate the tamales at home.

Hands-On Tamales Cooking Class in Santa Fe, NM

Experience the rich culinary heritage of New Mexico with a hands-on tamales cooking class at the Santa Fe School of Cooking. This immersive experience invites you to master making three distinct tamale varieties: spicy red chile and pork, Southern Mexican-style chicken wrapped in banana leaf, and blue corn calabacita filled with roasted vegetables. Paired perfectly with authentic New Mexican red chile sauce, these tamales bring bold regional flavors to your kitchen. The class is designed for all skill levels, making it accessible and fun whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner eager to learn. Along with crafting your own tamales, you'll enjoy tasting your creations and receive a detailed recipe packet to continue creating these favorites at home. Located in the heart of Santa Fe, this class offers not just cooking but a cultural experience, celebrating the vibrant traditions of New Mexican cuisine. Whether you're visiting or local, it's a flavorful way to connect with this unique region’s tastes and traditions.

About Santa Fe School of Cooking

Santa Fe School of Cooking is a culinary education and event company based in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The school offers a diverse schedule of hands-on and demonstration cooking classes, themed dinners, and collaborative musical dining events. Classes range from technique-focused demonstrations to hands-on sessions that teach traditional New Mexican, Mexican, and border-region recipes. Students learn dishes such as chilaquiles, corn pudding, cream of green chile soup, carne tampiqueña, tacos al pastor, and salsa macha, and explore ingredients like achiote, lime, apricot, eggplant, and green chile.

The school partners with local venues and cultural organizations to present unique dinner concerts and festival collaborations. Featured events include jazz evenings at Dave’s Jazz Bistro with performers such as Delbert Anderson, Tawanda Suessbrich-Joaquim with the John Rangel Trio, Robby Beasley, Dr. Chris Buckholz, Eddie Daniels, and Lee Musiker. The program has also collaborated with the Santa Fe Indian Market and the New Mexico Jazz Festival, pairing live music and poetry with menus inspired by Native culinary traditions.

Instruction is led by experienced chefs and culinary professionals who design curated menus for holiday dinners, healthy seasonal menus, vegetarian offerings, and culturally rooted tasting menus. The school emphasizes authentic regional flavors, practical techniques, and convivial dining experiences. Visitors and students can expect clear instruction, thoughtfully sourced recipes, and opportunities to taste and take home new skills. Santa Fe School of Cooking focuses on culinary education, cultural connection, and memorable food-centered events. Classes accommodate home cooks and visiting travelers seeking authentic regional cooking experiences and techniques.