Masa is a type of dough made from ground corn that is used to make tamales. It is a staple in Mexican cuisine and is often used as a base for other dishes such as tortillas, pupusas, and empanadas. Masa is made by soaking dried corn kernels in lime water and then grinding them into a paste. The paste is then mixed with lard or vegetable shortening to create a dough-like consistency. This dough is then used to make tamales, which are a traditional Mexican dish consisting of a corn-based dough filled with various ingredients such as meats, cheeses, vegetables, and spices.