Toaster Oven Turkey Chimichangas

Toaster Oven Turkey Chimichangas Recipe - Mexican Cuisine

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15-17 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Turkey chimichangas are a delicious and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner. This recipe puts a twist on the traditional chimichanga by using smoked turkey as the main protein. The combination of flavors and textures in this dish is sure to please your taste buds.

History

Chimichangas are a popular Mexican dish that originated in the southwestern United States. The name "chimichanga" is believed to have come from the Spanish words "chimi" meaning "to fry" and "changas" meaning "thingamajigs." The dish is typically made by filling a flour tortilla with a savory filling, rolling it up, and then deep-frying it until crispy.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) thickly sliced smoked turkey from deli counter
1 tbsp chili powder
2 cup shredded slaw cabbage
1 to 2 chipotles in adobo sauce
1 cup tomato sauce
3 scallions, chopped
salt and pepper
4 (12 inches) flour tortillas
1.5 cup, 6 oz, shredded sharp cheddar, smoked white cheddar or pepper jack cheese
2 tbsp vegetable or olive oil
1 cup sour cream
2 tbsp chopped cilantro leaves or flat-leaf parsley
1 vine ripe orange or yellow tomato, seeded and finely chopped

How to prepare

Preheat the toaster oven to 400°F (204°C) or high.
Place the turkey in a bowl and season it with chili powder.
Add shredded cabbage, chipotles in adobo, tomato sauce, and scallions to the bowl.
Toss the filling to combine and season it with salt and pepper.
Place the tortillas in a kitchen towel and set them in the microwave.
Microwave on high for 1 minute.
To build the wraps, place a generous handful of cheese near one edge of each tortilla.
Pile 0.25 of the filling onto each tortilla.
Tuck the sides up and roll the tortillas tightly.
Repeat the process to make 4 large stuffed tortilla wraps.
Brush the baking tray of the toaster oven with vegetable or olive oil.
Brush the wraps with oil and bake them until they turn deep golden all over, for about 15 to 17 minutes.
Top the wraps with sour cream, cilantro or parsley, and chopped orange or yellow tomato as garnishes.

Variations

Substitute the smoked turkey with shredded chicken or beef for a different flavor.
Add diced bell peppers, onions, or jalapenos to the filling for extra heat and flavor.
Top the chimichangas with salsa, guacamole, or hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to season the turkey with chili powder for added flavor.

- Microwave the tortillas before filling them to make them more pliable.

- Brushing the wraps with oil before baking will help them turn crispy and golden brown.

- Garnish the chimichangas with sour cream, cilantro or parsley, and chopped tomatoes for a fresh and colorful finish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the turkey chimichangas with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Preheat the toaster oven to ensure even cooking.

- Microwave the tortillas before filling them to make them easier to work with.

- Brush the wraps with oil before baking to help them turn crispy and golden brown.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of shredded cheese in place of pepper jack cheese.

- Substitute the smoked turkey with leftover roasted turkey or chicken.

- Use flour or corn tortillas depending on your preference.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the chimichangas.

- You can also assemble the chimichangas ahead of time and bake them just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the turkey chimichangas on a platter with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped parsley or cilantro on top. - Garnish the dish with sliced avocado, lime wedges, and a side of salsa for a colorful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the turkey chimichangas with a cold beer, margarita, or glass of iced tea for a refreshing drink.

- Serve the dish with a side of Mexican street corn, grilled vegetables, or black beans for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover chimichangas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- To reheat, place the chimichangas on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this turkey chimichanga recipe contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this turkey chimichanga recipe contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this turkey chimichanga recipe contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of this turkey chimichanga recipe contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This turkey chimichanga recipe is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese and sour cream) and wheat (tortillas).

Summary

This turkey chimichanga recipe is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It also contains essential vitamins and minerals to support overall health.

Summary

Toaster Oven Turkey Chimichangas are a flavorful and satisfying dish that is easy to make at home. With a delicious filling of smoked turkey, cabbage, and cheese, these chimichangas are sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy them for lunch or dinner with your favorite sides and garnishes for a complete meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be special to me. It was a sunny afternoon, and I was rummaging through an old box of cookbooks and recipe cards that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I flipped through the yellowed pages and faded ink, I came across a small, handwritten note tucked away in the back of one of the books. The note was written in my grandmother's elegant script, and it simply read: "Toaster Oven Turkey Chimichangas - a family favorite."

I was intrigued. I had never heard of toaster oven turkey chimichangas before, but the name alone sounded delicious. I immediately set to work gathering the ingredients listed in the note: shredded cooked turkey, black beans, corn, salsa, shredded cheese, and flour tortillas. As I began to assemble the chimichangas, I could almost feel my grandmother's presence in the kitchen with me, guiding my hands and whispering advice in my ear.

I carefully rolled up each tortilla, filled with the savory mixture of turkey, beans, corn, and cheese, and placed them in the toaster oven to bake until golden and crispy. The aroma that filled the kitchen was mouthwatering, and I knew I was in for a treat.

When the chimichangas were finally done, I eagerly took a bite, savoring the flavors of the tender turkey, spicy salsa, and gooey cheese. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before - a perfect blend of comfort and excitement, just like my grandmother herself.

As I enjoyed my toaster oven turkey chimichangas, I couldn't help but wonder where my grandmother had learned this recipe. I knew she had traveled extensively in her younger years, picking up cooking tips and tricks from all corners of the globe. Perhaps she had learned how to make chimichangas during one of her many adventures.

I decided to ask her about it the next time I saw her. When I brought up the recipe, her eyes lit up with delight and she began to tell me a story that I had never heard before.

"It was many years ago," she began, her voice soft and nostalgic. "I was traveling through the southwest, exploring the vibrant markets and sampling the delicious cuisine of the region. One day, I stumbled upon a small roadside cafe that was serving up the most incredible chimichangas I had ever tasted. I watched as the chef prepared them in a tiny toaster oven, using simple ingredients and a whole lot of love."

My grandmother went on to explain how she had struck up a conversation with the chef, a kind and generous woman who was more than happy to share her recipe for toaster oven turkey chimichangas. My grandmother had scribbled down the ingredients and instructions on a scrap of paper, vowing to recreate the dish for her own family someday.

And recreate it she did. Over the years, my grandmother had perfected the recipe, adding her own twist here and there to make it truly her own. The toaster oven turkey chimichangas had become a beloved staple in our family, a dish that we would always associate with the warmth and love of my grandmother's kitchen.

As I listened to her story, I felt a deep sense of connection to my grandmother and her culinary adventures. I realized that cooking was not just about following a set of instructions, but about creating memories and traditions that would be passed down through generations.

And so, as I finished the last bite of my toaster oven turkey chimichanga, I knew that this recipe would always hold a special place in my heart. It was more than just a delicious meal - it was a piece of my family's history, a taste of the love and passion that had been passed down from grandmother to granddaughter.