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Turkey and Yam Spicy Tacos

Spicy tacos with low fat turkey that have sweet-hot flavor, using yams to give it a surprising twist.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 8 people
Calories 3223.2 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet For browning turkey and combining filling
  • 1 Microwave-Safe Bowl For cooking yams
  • 1 Chef's knife For dicing and mincing ingredients
  • 1 Cutting Board For safe preparation
  • 1 Spatula or wooden spoon For stirring and crumbling

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 1 yam peeled and diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ¾ pound ground turkey
  • ½ cup chopped sweet onion
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 4 jalapeno peppers seeded and minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup tomatillo salsa
  • ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 16 warm flour tortillas

Instructions
 

  • Put the diced yam in a microwave-safe bowl; cook in the microwave until cooked through and fork-tender, stirring once, 5 to 7 minutes.
  • Coat the bottom of a large skillet with olive oil and place over medium heat; cook and stir the turkey until crumbled and evenly brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir the onion, garlic, and jalapeno pepper into the turkey and continue cooking until the onions begin to caramelize, 7 to 10 minutes. Season with the chili powder, cumin, Cajun seasoning, and salt. Pour the salsa over everything; fold the sweet potatoes into the mixture. Allow the mixture to cook until the excess moisture evaporates. Garnish with the cilantro. Serve with the warm tortillas.

Notes

For perfectly tender yams without mushiness, dice them evenly and ensure they are fork-tender but still hold their shape after microwaving. When browning the turkey, allow it to develop a good sear before breaking it up completely, which builds a richer flavor base. The jalapeño heat can be adjusted by removing more or less of the seeds and ribs. Caramelizing the onions slightly adds a layer of sweetness and depth. It's crucial to cook the mixture until the excess moisture from the salsa and yams has evaporated; this prevents soggy tacos and concentrates the flavors. A dash of lime juice at the end can brighten the entire dish.