Leftover Turkey Tamales

Turn leftover turkey into tamales made with corn oil instead of lard for a healthier variation than many traditional tamale recipes. Serve with lime.

• Preparation Time: 45 mins
• Cooking Time: 1 hr 5 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 50 mins
• Calories: 442 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup corn oil
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 5-ounce package cornhusks
• 3 cups masa harina
• 1 quart turkey broth, divided
• 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
• 3.5 cups finely chopped cooked turkey

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

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

Step 2

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.

Step 3

Whisk masa, 1 tablespoon paprika, 1 tablespoon chili powder, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, and 1 teaspoon salt together in a bowl; stir in corn oil. Set aside 1/2 cup turkey broth. Stir remaining 3 1/2 cups broth, 1 cup at a time, into masa mixture until dough is smooth and the consistency of thick peanut butter.

Step 4

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

Step 5

Spoon 1 heaping tablespoon dough in center of each corn husk; top with 1 heaping tablespoon turkey 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.