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Turkey Tamales

Turkey Tamales recipe image
These homemade turkey tamales are a comforting, hearty dish that brings the warmth of traditional Mexican cuisine to your table. The soft, slightly sweet corn masa wraps around a savory mixture of ground turkey, green chiles, and aromatic spices, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Steamed slowly in dried corn husks, the tamales become tender and flavorful, absorbing the essence of the filling. They are perfect for festive gatherings, holiday celebrations, or a special weekend dinner. While the process takes some time, the result is deeply satisfying and worth every minute of preparation. Serve with a fresh salsa on the side for an extra kick.
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 8
Calories: 17.5
Dietary: Gluten-free
Description
These homemade turkey tamales are a comforting, hearty dish that brings the warmth of traditional Mexican cuisine to your table. The soft, slightly sweet corn masa wraps around a savory mixture of ground turkey, green chiles, and aromatic spices, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Steamed slowly in dried corn husks, the tamales become tender and flavorful, absorbing the essence of the filling. They are perfect for festive gatherings, holiday celebrations, or a special weekend dinner. While the process takes some time, the result is deeply satisfying and worth every minute of preparation. Serve with a fresh salsa on the side for an extra kick.
Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup Onions -- chopped
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon Garlic -- minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon Pepper, black -- freshly
Directions
  1. 1
    Soak dried corn husks in warm water for at least 2 hours until pliable and soft.
  2. 2
    In a skillet, saut&# 195;© chopped onions and minced garlic in vegetable oil until softened and fragrant.
  3. 3
    Add ground turkey to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
  4. 4
    Stir in chopped green chiles, cumin, salt, and pepper; cook for another 2-3 minutes until flavors meld.
  5. 5
    In a large bowl, whisk together chicken broth, water, vegetable oil, yellow cornmeal, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
  6. 6
    Beat the masa mixture vigorously until it forms a thick, smooth, and fluffy batter.
  7. 7
    Fold whole-kernel corn and chopped green onions into the cooked turkey mixture.
  8. 8
    Drain soaked corn husks and pat dry; spread a thin layer of masa batter onto each husk.
  9. 9
    Place a spoonful of the turkey filling in the center of the masa on each husk.
  10. 10
    Fold the sides of the husk over the filling and roll up tightly to seal.
  11. 11
    Arrange tamales upright in a steamer basket or pot lined with husks, seam-side down.
  12. 12
    Steam over simmering water for 1 to 1.5 hours until the masa pulls away easily from the husk.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

Amount Per Serving
Calories 17.5kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0.2g1%
Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 1220.4mg51%
Total Carbohydrate 3.8g2%
Dietary Fiber 0.7g3%
Sugars 1.3g
Protein 0.6g2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Ensure the water in the steamer does not boil vigorously, as this can break the tamales. Keep it at a gentle simmer.

Leftover tamales can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

To reheat frozen tamales, thaw overnight in the fridge and steam until heated through, or microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel.

For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground turkey with mushrooms or a plant-based meat alternative.

Serve with a fresh salsa, such as the Saucy Salsa mentioned in the original recipe, for added brightness and acidity.

Keywords: tamales, turkey, mexican, masa, corn husks, steamed, ground turkey, green chiles, holiday recipe, traditional, comfort food, cornmeal, spiced, hearty, festive, main dish, homemade, cumin, garlic, onion
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/turkey-tamales/