Crispy Turkey Flaunts represent a delightful and savory Mexican culinary creation, featuring shredded turkey enveloped in corn tortillas, which are then fried to achieve a golden and crispy texture. These flats serve as an excellent choice for a snack, appetiser, or a complete meal when accompanied by preferred sides and dipping sauces. While traditional flutes are typically prepared with beef, chicken, or pork, utilizing turkey offers a leaner alternative that maintains a rich and flavorful filling.
Crispy Turkey Recipe
Ingredients:
For the filling:
2 cups cooked turkey (shredded, ideally from leftovers or roasted)
1/2 cup onion, finely diced
1 small green bell pepper, finely diced (optional)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for added spiciness)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup chicken or turkey broth (optional, for enhanced moisture)
1/2 cup grated cheese (Monterey Jack, Cheddar, or a Mexican cheese blend)
For assembly:
10-12 small corn tortillas (approximately 6 inches in diameter)
Vegetable oil (for frying)
For serving (optional):
Sour cream
Guacamole
Salsa (red, green, or pic ode Gallo)
Shredded lettuce or cabbage
Sliced radishes
Fresh cilantro
1.Instructions:
Prepare the Filling:
If utilizing leftover turkey, shred it into small pieces using two forks or your hands. In the absence of pre-cooked turkey, you may opt to cook turkey breast, thighs, or conveniently use rotisserie turkey.
Cook the Aromatics:
In a large skillet set over medium heat, add a tablespoon of oil. Sauté the onions, bell pepper (if desired), and garlic until they become tender, which should take approximately 3–5 minutes.
Season the Turkey:
Incorporate the shredded turkey into the skillet and mix thoroughly. Season the mixture with cumin, chili powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (if desired), salt, and pepper. If the mixture appears somewhat dry, a splash of chicken or turkey broth can be added to enhance moisture. Allow the ingredients to cook together for an additional 2–3 minutes to blend the flavors. Stir in the grated cheese and continue cooking until melted, then remove from heat.
Prepare the Tortillas:
To avoid cracking when rolling, it is essential to soften the tortillas slightly. Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium-low heat, or alternatively, warm the tortillas in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for 20–30 seconds until they become pliable. This will facilitate easier rolling without breaking.
Assemble the Faunas:
Place a softened tortilla on a flat surface. Add a small spoonful of the turkey mixture along the center of the tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, ensuring the ends are tucked in to secure the contents. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Fry the Faunas:
Heat vegetable oil in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat (approximately 350F/175C). Ensure there is sufficient oil to cover at least half of the faunas during frying.
Carefully place the rolled faunas into the hot oil, frying in batches to prevent overcrowding. Fry for about 3–4 minutes on each side, or until they achieve a golden brown and crispy texture. Use tongs to turn them gently, avoiding any unrolling. Once cooked, remove the faunas from the oil and drain on paper towels to eliminate excess oil.
Serve:
Present the crispy turkey flaunts hot, accompanied by your preferred sides and dips.
Guidelines for Achieving Perfectly Crispy Flautas:
Utilize Corn Tortillas: Corn tortillas are essential for achieving the distinctive texture and flavor of flautas. In contrast, flour tortillas are generally too pliable for frying and may not maintain their structure effectively.
Fry at the Appropriate Temperature: Ensure that your oil reaches the optimal temperature of approximately 350F (175C) prior to introducing the flautas. If the oil is insufficiently heated, the flautas will absorb excess oil, resulting in a soggy texture. Conversely, if the oil is excessively hot, the exterior may burn before the filling is adequately heated.
Avoid Overfilling: It is important not to excessively fill the tortillas. While a generous amount of filling enhances flavor, overstuffing can hinder the ability to roll them tightly, increasing the risk of them bursting during frying.
Maintain Crispiness: Flautas are best enjoyed immediately after frying, while they retain their crispiness. If you need to keep them warm, place them on a wire rack in an oven set to a low temperature (approximately 200F or 93C) to preserve their warmth and crunch.
Accompany with Side Dishes: Flautas are commonly paired with side dishes such as Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple salad. To complement the meal, consider adding a refreshing side like a cucumber and tomato salad or a creamy avocado dip.
Nutritional Information (per serving, 2 flautas):
The nutritional values may vary based on the size of the tortillas and the quantity of oil used, but here is an estimated breakdown for two standard-sized flautas:
Calories: 300-350 kcal
Fat: 18-22g
Carbohydrates: 25-30g
Protein: 15-20g
Fiber: 2-3g
Sodium: 400-600mg (varies with seasoning and broth)
These values are approximate and can be modified based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Summary
Crispy Turkey Flautas represent a delicious and adaptable dish suitable for a quick weeknight meal or as an engaging appetizer for gatherings. Whether you opt for the traditional turkey filling or experiment with your own variations, they are guaranteed to be a hit among guests.
