I know the word “masa” means dough, particularly corn dough, but it might as well be short for “miracle,” because the process of producing this staple of Mexican (and other Central and South American) ...

The dough that makes up the exterior of tamales is known as masa. This shouldn't be confused with masa harina, which is a kind of corn flour often used in tamales (as well as corn tortillas and more).

I know the word “masa” means dough, particularly corn dough, but it might as well be short for “miracle,” because the process of producing this staple of Mexican (and other Central and South American) ...