In pot cook beans in water several hours until they begin to fall apart. Results should be about 4 cups of beans and liquid. If using masa flour, let beans cool, then mix well with masa flour and salt. If using corn meal, poiur boiling beans on cornmeal and stir furiously, then add salt. Form corn-bean dough into balls about 2 inches in diameter, wrap in corn husks or foil and steam 1 hour. Makes about 20 2 inch tamales.