Tamale Pie with Turkey Recipe - Delicious Mexican Dish

Tamale Pie with Turkey

Tamale Pie with Turkey Recipe - Delicious Mexican Dish
Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 4 hours and 10 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Tamale Pie with Turkey
Tamale Pie with Turkey

Tamale Pie with Turkey is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the flavors of traditional tamales with the convenience of a casserole. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck gathering.

History

The origins of Tamale Pie can be traced back to the early 20th century in the United States. It is believed to have been created as a way to enjoy the flavors of tamales without the labor-intensive process of making individual tamales. Over the years, the recipe has evolved to include a variety of ingredients, including ground turkey, cornmeal, and cheese.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Brown the turkey and drain it well.
  2. In a bowl, mix together the cornmeal, milk, and egg.
  3. Add the drained meat, dry chili mix, tomatoes, and corn. Stir well.
  4. Pour the mixture into a slow cooker that is 3.5 qt (3.31 liter) or larger. Cover and cook on high for 1 hour, then switch to low and cook for 3 hours.
  5. Sprinkle with cheese.
  6. Cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes.

Variations

  • Substitute ground beef or chicken for the ground turkey.
  • Add black beans or diced bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
  • Top the pie with sliced olives or green onions before baking.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to drain the ground turkey well to prevent the dish from becoming too greasy.

- For a spicier version, add some diced jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.

- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers or black beans.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Tamale Pie with Turkey with a side of sour cream, salsa, and avocado slices for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The slow cooker method used in this recipe allows the flavors to meld together slowly, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have chili seasoning mix, you can use a combination of chili powder, cumin, and paprika.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the mixture for Tamale Pie with Turkey ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to cook. Simply pour the mixture into the slow cooker and follow the cooking instructions.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the finished dish with fresh cilantro leaves or a sprinkle of chopped green onions for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Tamale Pie with Turkey pairs well with a crisp green salad or a side of Mexican rice.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Tamale Pie with Turkey contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

The Tamale Pie with Turkey recipe contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

Each serving of Tamale Pie with Turkey has around 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

This dish is a good source of protein, with each serving containing about 20 grams.

Vitamins and minerals

Tamale Pie with Turkey is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (milk and cheese) and eggs.

Summary

Tamale Pie with Turkey is a well-rounded dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Tamale Pie with Turkey is a comforting and flavorful dish that is sure to become a family favorite. With its easy preparation and delicious taste, this recipe is perfect for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Tamale Pie with Turkey. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl living in a small town in Texas. My neighbor, Mrs. Rodriguez, was known for her delicious tamales and she kindly offered to teach me how to make them.

I was eager to learn and spent countless afternoons in Mrs. Rodriguez's kitchen, watching her work her magic with masa, meat, and spices. As I grew older, I continued to hone my tamale-making skills, experimenting with different fillings and flavors until I had perfected my own version of this beloved Mexican dish.

One day, while rummaging through my collection of recipes, I stumbled upon a worn, yellowed piece of paper tucked away in the back of a drawer. It was a recipe for Tamale Pie with Turkey, handwritten in faded ink. I couldn't remember where I had gotten it from, but the familiar handwriting told me it was a recipe worth trying.

Excited to try something new, I gathered the ingredients and set to work in my kitchen. The recipe called for ground turkey, cornmeal, tomatoes, and a blend of spices that reminded me of the flavors of traditional tamales. As the aromas filled my kitchen, I knew I was on to something special.

When the Tamale Pie emerged from the oven, golden and bubbling, I couldn't wait to dig in. The first bite was a revelation - the tender turkey, the tangy tomatoes, the creamy cornmeal topping. It was a symphony of flavors that danced on my tastebuds, bringing back memories of Mrs. Rodriguez's tamales and the warmth of her kitchen.

I immediately knew that this recipe would become a staple in my culinary repertoire. I shared it with my family and friends, who all raved about its deliciousness. They couldn't believe that I had managed to capture the essence of tamales in a simple, comforting casserole.

As the years passed, I continued to make Tamale Pie with Turkey, each time adding my own twist to the recipe. Sometimes I would swap out the turkey for chicken or beef, or add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat. I even started experimenting with different toppings, like avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream.

But no matter how I tweaked the recipe, the core flavors remained the same - a homage to the traditional tamales that had inspired me all those years ago. I loved the way this dish brought people together, filling their bellies and warming their hearts with its comforting, homestyle goodness.

And so, as I sit here now, surrounded by my loved ones and a steaming dish of Tamale Pie with Turkey in front of me, I can't help but feel grateful for the journey that led me to this recipe. It's a reminder of the power of food to connect us to our past, to our traditions, and to each other.

As we dig into the savory pie, laughter and conversation filling the air, I know that this recipe will continue to be a part of my family's story for generations to come. And I can't wait to see where it takes us next.

Categories

| Cheese Recipes | Corn Recipes | Cornmeal Recipes | Crockpot Recipes | Egg Recipes | Ground Turkey Recipes | Mexican Recipes | Milk And Cream Recipes | Pie Recipes | Tomato Recipes |

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