Many have fond memories of jovial family gatherings where everyone lends a hand in making these hearty little cornmeal packages. Unfortunately, traditional recipes for tamales can be high in fat and calories, a real pitfall for those with adult Type II diabetes. If you only eat tamales once a year, you may not want to tamper with the recipe. If you eat them more often, modification is needed. Use canola oil or olive oil instead of lard in the dough, and use only a little.
Many people think that if they use a 'good' oil, they can use as much as they want.
The following recipe has a little less than half the fat of traditional tamale dough and no cholesterol. If you use higher fat meats, drain them in a colander after cooking and rinse with very hot water to remove excess fat. Beans and vegetables also make good fillings, with lots of flavor and fiber. In large bowl, whip oil and egg whites until white and foamy. The dough should be stiff but not dry and crumbly.