To make tamales from scratch, you will first need to create tamale dough. This is made from 6 cups of harina, 5 cups warm water, 2 cups lard, 2tbsp onion powder, 2tbs onion powder, 3tbsp Chile powder, & 2tsp salt. Combine the masa and water, leave for 20 minutes to settle. Gradually add all other ingredients, adding the lard last. Next, take some fillings & corn husks. Fill the dough with the fillings, wrap the tamale in corn husks, and steam it slowly.