Leftover Turkey Tamales

4.8
(19)

These tamales take some time, but are well worth the effort. They are a great way to use up leftover holiday turkey. These are also healthier than many traditional tamale recipes which are made with lard. These freeze well and can later be either microwaved or re-steamed. Serve with lime wedges as garnish.

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Prep Time:
45 mins
Cook Time:
1 hr 5 mins
Additional Time:
1 hr
Total Time:
2 hrs 50 mins
Servings:
10
Yield:
10 serving

Ingredients

  • 1 5-ounce package cornhusks

Tamale Dough:

  • 3 cups masa harina

  • 1 tablespoon paprika

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder

  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 cup corn oil

  • 1 quart turkey broth, divided

Turkey Filling:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 onion, finely chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 3 ½ cups finely chopped cooked turkey

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste

Directions

  1. Soak corn husks in a bowl of warm water until softened, about 1 hour; drain.

  2. Mix masa, 1 tablespoon paprika, 1 tablespoon chili powder, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, and 1 teaspoon salt together in a bowl. Stir corn oil into masa mixture. Measure 1/2 cup turkey broth and set aside. Add remaining broth, 1 cup at a time, to masa mixture until dough is smooth and the consistency of thick peanut butter.

  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; saute onion and garlic until softened and translucent, 5 to 10 minutes. Remove skillet from heat and add turkey, 1 teaspoon paprika, oregano, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir reserved 1/2 cup turkey broth into filling until moistened.

  4. Spoon 1 heaping tablespoon dough in the center of each corn husk. Top filling with 1 heaping tablespoon filling. Roll husk around dough and filling, tucking bottom of husk into tamale. Tie a corn husk strip or string around each tamale to secure.

  5. Place a steamer insert into a saucepan and fill with water to just below the bottom of the steamer. Bring water to a boil. Stand tamales upright in steamer, cover, and steam until cooked through, about 1 hour. Add more water as needed.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

442 Calories
28g Fat
31g Carbs
19g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 10
Calories 442
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 28g 35%
Saturated Fat 4g 21%
Cholesterol 37mg 12%
Sodium 656mg 29%
Total Carbohydrate 31g 11%
Dietary Fiber 6g 23%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 19g 39%
Vitamin C 10mg 11%
Calcium 84mg 6%
Iron 4mg 24%
Potassium 418mg 9%

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

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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