Mama Maggie's Kitchen

For the Pork:
Rinse and chop up the pork.
Place the pork, garlic, onion, bay leaves, salt and pepper.
For Instant Pot: Add enough water to cover ¾ of the meat. Cover with lid, move valve to sealing, press Stew/ Meat button. Quick release the valve.
For Stove Top: Add water. About 4 inches above the meat. Cover and cook for 2 ½ hours, or until fork tender.
Skim the fat off the top of the broth.
Remove the meat and let it cool down slightly.
Reserve the broth.
How to Make Masa for Tamales
Beat the shortening with your mixer until smooth for about 2 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine the masa harina, salt, and baking powder.
Add the dry ingredients in small batches to the mixer.
Alternate with the broth until completely mixed.
Scrape down the sides of the bowl as need.
Look for a smooth texture in the masa.
For the Salsa Verde:
Place the tomatillos, onion, garlic, and jalapeno in a stock pot.
Cover with water.
Bring to a boil.
Cook for 8 minutes.
Discard the water and let ingredients cool slightly.
Put the tomatillos, onion, garlic, jalapeno, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and cilantro in a blender.
Blend until smooth.