Leftover Turkey Tamales: A Delicious Way to Use Thanksgiving Leftovers
Thanksgiving is over, and you’re left with a fridge full of leftover turkey. What do you do with all that delicious meat? Well, why not transform it into something new and exciting? Enter leftover turkey tamales, a mouthwatering dish that combines the flavors of Thanksgiving with the traditional Mexican delight.
What are Tamales?
If you’ve never had tamales before, you’re missing out! Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish made from masa, a dough made from corn, filled with various ingredients like meat, cheese, or vegetables, then wrapped in corn husks and steamed. The result is a flavorful, moist, and slightly sweet treat that will make your taste buds dance.
The Perfect Way to Use Leftover Turkey
Leftover turkey tamales are the perfect solution for those post-Thanksgiving blues. Instead of reheating the same turkey dinner for the third day in a row, why not give your leftovers a new lease of life? By shredding the turkey meat and incorporating it into the tamale filling, you can create a whole new dish that will have your family begging for more.
How to Make Leftover Turkey Tamales
Making leftover turkey tamales is easier than you might think. Start by preparing the masa dough, which consists of masa harina (a special type of corn flour), lard or vegetable shortening, broth, and a pinch of salt. Mix all the ingredients together until you have a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Next, it’s time to prepare the filling. Shred the leftover turkey meat and mix it with your favorite spices, such as cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder. You can also add some saut√©ed onions and peppers for an extra flavor kick. Spread a thin layer of the masa dough onto a soaked corn husk, then spoon a generous amount of the turkey filling in the center. Fold the sides of the husk over the filling and secure with a strip of corn husk or kitchen twine.
Once all your tamales are assembled, place them in a steamer basket and steam them for about an hour, or until the masa dough is cooked through. The result? Tender, flavorful tamales with a hint of Thanksgiving magic.
Why Tamales are Worth the Effort
You might be thinking, “Why should I go through all the trouble of making tamales when I can just eat my leftover turkey as is?” Well, my friend, tamales are worth the effort for several reasons.
First, tamales are a unique and delicious way to enjoy your leftovers. They take the flavors of Thanksgiving and give them a Mexican twist, creating a whole new culinary experience. Plus, tamales are fun to make! Gather your family in the kitchen, roll up your sleeves, and make it a bonding activity.
Second, tamales can be frozen and enjoyed later. If you have an abundance of leftovers, you can make a big batch of tamales and freeze them for future meals. Simply steam the tamales, let them cool, and then place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just defrost and heat them up. It’s like having Thanksgiving dinner all over again!
Conclusion
Leftover turkey tamales are a delicious and creative way to use up your Thanksgiving leftovers. With their unique combination of flavors and easy-to-make nature, tamales are a culinary adventure you don’t want to miss. So, why not give it a try? Transform your leftover turkey into something extraordinary and savor the magic of Thanksgiving all over again.
FAQs
1. Can I use other leftover meats for tamales?
Yes, absolutely! Tamales are versatile and can be made with various meats, such as chicken, pork, or beef. Get creative and experiment with different flavors.
2. Can I make tamales without corn husks?
While corn husks are traditional, you can use parchment paper or banana leaves as a substitute. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
3. How long do tamales stay fresh?
Freshly made tamales can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. If frozen, they can last for several months.
4. Can I make vegetarian tamales?
Absolutely! Simply omit the meat and add your favorite veggies or cheese instead. Tamales are incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit your dietary preferences.
5. Can I add sauce to my tamales?
Yes, you can serve your tamales with your favorite sauce, such as salsa verde or mole. The sauce adds an extra layer of flavor and enhances the overall experience.
6. Can I reheat tamales in the microwave?
Yes, you can reheat tamales in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat them, as the masa dough can become tough. It’s best to steam them again for a few minutes to maintain their softness.
7. Can I make sweet tamales?
Absolutely! Sweet tamales are a popular dessert in Mexican cuisine. You can fill them with ingredients like chocolate, fruit, or sweetened cream cheese for a delightful treat.
8. Can I make tamales without a steamer basket?
If you don’t have a steamer basket, you can use a large pot with a heatproof bowl or colander placed inside. Fill the pot with enough water to create steam, but make sure the water doesn’t touch the tamales.
Leftover Turkey Tamales
Ingredients
- 1 package of cornhusks (5 ounces)
- 3 cups of masa harina
- 1 tablespoon of paprika
- 1 tablespoon of chili powder
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of corn oil
- 1 quart of turkey broth (divided)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves of minced garlic
- 3 ½ cups of finely chopped cooked turkey
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper (or to taste)
Instructions
- Soften the corn husks by soaking them in a bowl of warm water for about 1 hour. Then, drain the water.
- In a bowl, combine the masa, 1 tablespoon of paprika, 1 tablespoon of chili powder, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix well.
- Add corn oil to the masa mixture and stir it in.
- Set aside 1/2 cup of turkey broth. Gradually add the remaining broth, 1 cup at a time, to the masa mixture. Stir until the dough becomes smooth and has the consistency of thick peanut butter.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until they become softened and translucent, which should take around 5 to 10 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and add the turkey, 1 teaspoon of paprika, oregano, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well and stir in the reserved 1/2 cup of turkey broth until the filling becomes moistened.
- Take a corn husk and spoon 1 heaping tablespoon of dough in the center of it. Then, add 1 heaping tablespoon of filling on top of the dough.
- Roll the corn husk around the dough and filling, ensuring that the bottom
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