Corn roll tamales: not awesome, perhaps, but uniquely Chicago

CHICAGO — Served straight from metal steamers at Italian beef and hot dog stands across the city, corn roll tamales were invented in Chicago. Though perhaps not all that awesome, the corn roll tamale is a Chicago original, and we have found ways to love it.

Unlike traditional tamales, usually made with masa (cornmeal dough), stuffed with vegetables, meat or cheese, and then rolled in a natural wrapper, like a corn husk or a banana leaf, before warming, frequently