Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish made of cornmeal dough, typically stuffed with various meats, vegetables, or cheeses, and wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves before being steamed. While a steamer is the traditional way to cook tamales, there are a few other methods that can be used if you don't have a steamer or are looking for a different cooking method. One option is to cook the tamales in a pot of boiling water. This method is similar to cooking pasta, and the tamales will need to be cooked for about 30 minutes. Be sure to add enough water to cover the tamales completely and keep an eye on the pot to make sure the water doesn't boil off. Another option is to cook the tamales in the oven. This is a good option if you're looking to make a large batch of tamales at once. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place the tamales on a baking sheet. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the tamales are cooked through. Lastly, you can cook tamales in a slow cooker. This is a good option if you want the tamales to be ready to eat when you get