Thanksgiving Tamales with Leftover Turkey

Here’s a delicious and heartwarming dish to transform your holiday leftovers into a new favorite: Thanksgiving Tamales with Leftover Turkey. This recipe takes the rich, savory flavors of your leftover turkey and wraps them in a soft, flavorful masa dough, all steamed inside corn husks for a perfect festive treat. It’s a great way to enjoy a simple, comforting meal using what you already have, perfect for extending the joy of your holiday feast into the days after Thanksgiving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Leftover Magic: Transforms turkey scraps into a mouthwatering new dish that feels fresh and exciting.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps and common ingredients make the whole process approachable for cooks of any skill level.
• Perfectly Portable: Tamales are easy to pack and share, ideal for holiday gatherings or quick lunches.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Combines classic Thanksgiving flavors with a fun twist everyone will enjoy.
• Customizable: Adapt the filling and spices to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs effortlessly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Thanksgiving Tamales with Leftover Turkey are straightforward yet essential to create that classic, comforting tamale texture and flavor. Each component plays a role from infusing moisture to adding spice and richness.

• Masa harina: This finely ground corn flour forms the dough base, giving tamales their signature soft and fluffy texture.
• Leftover turkey: Shredded turkey provides the hearty protein and savory flavor that ties the recipe to Thanksgiving.
• Chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth to the masa dough while keeping it tender.
• Lard or vegetable shortening: Used to make the dough light and rich without drying it out.
• Green chili or salsa verde: Brings a zesty, slightly spicy kick to the turkey filling.
• Corn husks: Essential for wrapping the tamales, they steam the dough and add traditional aroma.
• Spices and seasoning: Cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper enhance the flavors, balancing the savory and spicy notes.

Variations for Thanksgiving Tamales with Leftover Turkey

One of the best things about Thanksgiving Tamales with Leftover Turkey is how easy it is to personalize them. Whether you want to add more heat, make them vegetarian, or turn up the cheese factor, the possibilities are endless.

• Spicy version: Add chopped jalapeños or chipotle peppers for a fiery twist on the classic.
• Vegetarian option: Replace turkey with roasted vegetables or black beans for a meat-free delight.
• Cheesy delight: Mix shredded cheese into the masa or turkey filling to add gooey richness.
• Sweet and savory: Incorporate a bit of cranberry sauce into the filling for a festive flavor contrast.
• Green chile sauce: Swap out salsa verde for your favorite red chile sauce to change the flavor profile.

How to Make Thanksgiving Tamales with Leftover Turkey

Step 1: Prepare the Corn Husks

Soak dried corn husks in warm water for at least 30 minutes until they become soft and pliable, making them easy to wrap without tearing. Drain and pat dry before using.

Step 2: Make the Masa Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine masa harina, salt, baking powder, and softened lard or shortening. Gradually add chicken broth while mixing until the dough is soft but not sticky. The dough should spread easily without cracking.

Step 3: Prepare the Turkey Filling

Mix shredded leftover turkey with salsa verde, garlic powder, cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste and set aside until ready to assemble.

Step 4: Assemble the Tamales

Spread a thin layer of masa dough onto the smooth side of each soaked corn husk, leaving space at the edges. Add a spoonful of the turkey filling in the center, then carefully fold the husk and secure if needed.

Step 5: Steam the Tamales

Arrange tamales upright in a steamer basket with open ends facing up. Cover with a damp cloth and steam for 1 to 1.5 hours, checking water levels occasionally to avoid drying out.

Pro Tips for Making Thanksgiving Tamales with Leftover Turkey

• Don’t rush the soaking: Properly soaked corn husks prevent tearing and make wrapping easier.
• Test the masa dough: Drop a small piece in cold water—the dough should float when ready.
• Use warm broth: Warm liquid mixes into the masa better and helps achieve the right consistency.
• Keep tamales upright while steaming: This helps to evenly cook and maintain shape.
• Season progressively: Taste and adjust the filling seasoning *before* assembling to get it just right.

How to Serve Thanksgiving Tamales with Leftover Turkey

Garnishes

Top your tamales with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of queso fresco for extra flavor and color. A squeeze of lime juice adds brightness to each bite.

Side Dishes

Complement the tamales with a crisp green salad, Mexican rice, or refried beans to round out your meal with vibrant textures and tastes.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve tamales still wrapped in their husks for a rustic appeal or plated with colorful side dishes and garnishes arranged artistically for a festive holiday table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled tamales in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. They reheat beautifully, preserving flavor and texture.

Freezing

Wrap tamales individually in plastic wrap or foil, then seal in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Steam frozen or refrigerated tamales again for 20 to 30 minutes until heated through, or microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for a quick alternative.

FAQs

Can I use turkey breast or dark meat for these tamales?

Absolutely! Both white and dark turkey meat work well; just shred the meat evenly for consistent filling texture.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes, preparing the turkey filling in advance will deepen the flavors and save time on assembly day.

Are these tamales gluten-free?

Yes, masa harina is naturally gluten-free, so this recipe is safe for most gluten-sensitive diets when using gluten-free ingredients.

What if I don’t have corn husks?

You can use parchment paper as an alternative wrapping, but corn husks provide the authentic flavor and steaming benefits.

How spicy are these tamales?

The spice level is mild by default, but you can easily adjust by adding more chili or hot sauce to the turkey filling according to your taste.

Final Thoughts

Thanksgiving Tamales with Leftover Turkey offer a delightful and comforting way to reinvent your holiday meal remnants. Warm, satisfying, and full of flavor, this recipe invites you to celebrate comfort food and creativity long after the main feast ends. Don’t hesitate to try it out and make your leftovers unforgettable!

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