Leftover Turkey Tamales

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.

• 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
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 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
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
• 1 5-ounce package cornhusks
• 3 cups masa harina
• 1 quart turkey broth, divided
• 3 ½ 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

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.

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 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.