Question: how long to cook 2 dozen tamales?
Answer: Pour 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water into a large pot and add a steamer basket. ... 
Arrange the tamales vertically in the basket. ... 
Bring the water in the pot to a boil then reduce the heat. ... 
Add water every 20 minutes and simmer the tamales for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.