Oaxacan Black Bean Tamales

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound Black Valentine Beans
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 onion diced
• 6 cloves of garlic peeled and minced
• 1 teaspoon mexican oregano
• 1-3 arbol chili peppers stems and seeds removed (optional)
• 1 Caribbean Bay Leaf
• 1 4 inch strip of kombu
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• Oaxaca cheese optional
• 1 cup Heirloom Corn Masa Harina
• Corn husks
• 1 cup water or broth, room temp
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 - 1 cup unsalted butter or vegan butter
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder