This Christmas, ditch the traditional roast and embrace a festive twist on a classic comfort food: Enchilada Baked Turkey! Imagine a succulent, juicy turkey, infused with the rich, smoky flavors of your favorite enchilada sauce, nestled amongst layers of melted cheese and your choice of savory fillings. This recipe delivers all the heartwarming goodness of a holiday feast with a surprising and delightful Mexican flair. It's surprisingly easy to prepare, requiring minimal hands-on time, leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities with loved ones.
Forget dry, overcooked turkey; this recipe guarantees a moist and flavorful bird every time. The enchilada sauce adds incredible depth and complexity, while the melted cheese provides a satisfying richness that perfectly complements the turkey. Ready to experience a Christmas dinner unlike any other? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to create this unforgettable Enchilada Baked Turkey.
Tools Needed
- Oven
- Baking tray
- Pan
- Blender
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Kitchen twine
Ingredients
- Turkey
- Lard: 3 tablespoons
- Thyme: 1/2 teaspoon
- Garlic: 4 cloves
- Guajillo chiles: 8
- Puya chiles: 4
- Chile de árbol: 2
- Tomato: 1
- Black chiles: 3
- Cascabel chiles: 6
- Cumin (whole): 1/4 teaspoon
- Onion: 1/4
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Red wine: 1/4 cup
- White vinegar: 3 tablespoons
- Ground beef: 700g
- Walnuts: 1 cup
- Maggi juice or Worcestershire sauce: 1 teaspoon
- Mushrooms: 10
- Carrot: 1/2 medium
- Celery: 1/2
- Bread: 1 slice
- Coriander powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Cumin powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Ground black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Paprika: 1 tablespoon
- Chili flakes: 1 teaspoon
- Chicken broth: 1 cup
- Cambray potatoes: 10
- Sweet potatoes: 2 medium
- Bell pepper: 1/2
- Crushed chili: 1 teaspoon
- Dried parsley: 1 tablespoon
- Olive oil: 3 tablespoons
- Butter: 3 squares
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Juicy Enchilada Marinade and Turkey
- Wash and clean the turkey. Dry it with paper towels and separate the skin slightly to spread butter.
- Mix lard, thyme, garlic, guajillo chiles, puya chiles, chile de árbol, tomato, black chiles, cascabel chiles, cumin, onion, black pepper, red wine, and white vinegar.
- Season the turkey with the prepared butter and make shallow cuts in the breast to allow the marinade to penetrate.
- Fry the chopped chilies until lightly browned.
- In a pan, fry the garlic, onion, tomato, thyme, and cumin. Add the peppers and chilies.
- Add 2 cups of water and simmer until the chilies soften. Blend the chilies with their juices and broth. Add salt and strain the sauce.
- Add wine and vinegar to the sauce and adjust seasoning.
- Marinate the turkey with the sauce, ensuring it penetrates the cuts. Refrigerate overnight.
Step 2. Prepare the Vegetables and Stuffing
- Peel and cut sweet potatoes, potatoes, bell pepper, and onion. Season with paprika, parsley, pepper, garlic, and olive oil.
- Fry chopped onion, then add ground beef, garlic, mushrooms, carrot, celery, and bell pepper. Cook for 8 minutes.
- Add cilantro, cumin, pepper, chili flakes, paprika, thyme, chicken broth, walnuts, Maggi juice, bread, and wine to the meat mixture. Simmer for 20 minutes.
Step 3. Bake the Turkey and Vegetables
- Preheat oven to 300-330°F (150-165°C). Place the marinated turkey and seasoned vegetables in a baking tray. Tie the turkey legs together.
- Bake uncovered for 1 hour, then stir the vegetables and cover with aluminum foil. Continue baking until cooked through (approx. 3 more hours).
Step 4. Serve the Juicy Enchilada Baked Turkey
- Once the turkey is cooked, remove from oven, let rest, and then serve with the stuffing and vegetables.
Read more: Delicious Nicaraguan Enchiladas: A Leftover Recipe
Tips
- Let the turkey marinate for several hours or overnight for best results.
- Check the turkey's doneness and adjust cooking time as needed.
- Adjust the amount of spices and seasonings to your preference.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use leftover turkey for this recipe?
Yes! This recipe works wonderfully with leftover cooked turkey. Just shred it and proceed with the instructions.
2. What kind of enchilada sauce is best?
Use your favorite! Red or green enchilada sauce will both work well. Look for a good quality sauce with a bold flavor.
3. How far in advance can I prepare this dish?
You can assemble the turkey and ingredients a day ahead and refrigerate. Bake as directed the next day.
This Juicy Enchilada Baked Turkey is sure to be the star of your Christmas dinner, offering a unique and delicious twist on a holiday classic. Impress your guests with this flavorful and surprisingly easy recipe that’s guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Happy cooking, and Merry Christmas!