Lunch & Dinner

Turkey Keema Recipe – Friendsgiving Food Ideas

Name: Turkey Keema Recipe – Friendsgiving Food Ideas
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: Ghee or Avocado Oil, for cooking; 2-3 lbs Ground Turkey; 1 large Onion, finely chopped; 2 Bell Peppers, diced; 1/2 tsp Grated or Ground Ginger; 1 tsp Minced or Ground Garlic; 3 Tbsp Tomato Puree; Fresh Cilantro Leaves, for garnish; 1/2 tsp Cumin Seeds; 1 1/2 tsp Ground Coriander; 1 tsp Ground Turmeric; 1/2 tsp Garam Masala; 1 tsp Sweet Paprika; 1 small Cinnamon Stick; 3 Cloves, ground; 1 tsp Chili Powder; 1 ½ tsp Fennel Powder; 1/2 cup Chopped Spinach; 1/4 cup Coconut Milk

Iris Miller March 19, 2025

Servings: 6 Total Time: 45 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

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It’s a warm evening, and the sun is just beginning to set. You’ve got friends around, laughter fills the air, and the enticing scent of spices is wafting from your kitchen. This is the ideal moment for a dish that brings everyone together: turkey keema. It’s delightful as a main course, but I’ve found it pairs beautifully with warm naan bread or a fluffy rice pilaf. Trust me; you’re going to want to dive into this dish!

What is Turkey Keema?

Turkey keema is a spiced ground turkey dish similar to the traditional Indian dish made with minced meat. It’s typically cooked with an array of spices and vegetables. The result is a warm, hearty meal that can easily be served over rice or stuffed in a wrap.

The Ingredients

To create a delicious turkey keema, you’ll need the following:

Ghee or Avocado Oil, for cooking
2-3 lbs Ground Turkey
1 large Onion, finely chopped
2 Bell Peppers, diced
1/2 tsp Grated or Ground Ginger
1 tsp Minced or Ground Garlic
3 Tbsp Tomato Puree
Fresh Cilantro Leaves, for garnish

Spice Blend:

1/2 tsp Cumin Seeds
1 ½ tsp Ground Coriander
1 tsp Ground Turmeric
1/2 tsp Garam Masala
1 tsp Sweet Paprika
1 small Cinnamon Stick
3 Cloves, ground
1 tsp Chili Powder
1 ½ tsp Fennel Powder
1/2 cup Chopped Spinach
1/4 cup Coconut Milk

How to Make Turkey Keema?

Let’s whip up that turkey keema! It’s straightforward, and the outcome is absolutely worth it. Now, onto the detailed steps.

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Heat the Oil

Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of ghee or avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The oil acts as a base for all those wonderful spices.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion

Add the finely chopped onion to the hot oil. Stir it often, allowing it to soften and turn golden brown—this will take about 5-7 minutes. Remember that patience pays off, so don’t rush this step!

Step 3: Add Garlic and Ginger

Once your onions are a beautiful golden hue, introduce the minced garlic and grated ginger. Let them sizzle for a minute, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. It’s the first hint of magic happening in this dish!

Step 4: Spice It Up

Now, it’s time to sprinkle in your carefully measured spices: cumin seeds, ground coriander, ground turmeric, garam masala, sweet paprika, cinnamon stick, ground cloves, chili powder, and fennel powder. Stir everything for about 2 minutes. This toasting of the spices unlocks their flavors.

Step 5: Incorporate the Turkey

Add your ground turkey to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it up and stir well, ensuring it mixes nicely with the spiced onion base. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until the turkey is browned and cooked through. Your kitchen is going to smell amazing!

Step 6: Mix in Bell Peppers and Tomato

Add the diced bell peppers and the tomato puree. Stir them into the turkey mixture and let it simmer together. This should take about 5 minutes. The vibrant colors will make your dish look inviting.

Step 7: Stir in Spinach and Coconut Milk

Next, toss in the chopped spinach and coconut milk, stirring to combine everything. The spinach adds a nice texture, while the coconut milk brings a creamy richness. Allow the mixture to simmer for another 5 minutes to meld all those flavors together.

Step 8: Finish with Cilantro

Finally, sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves over the top. Give it one last gentle stir. You’re now ready to serve a dish that is bursting with flavor!

Notes

Here are a few tips to ensure your keema turns out perfect:

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and spices make a noticeable difference in taste.
Cook the Turkey Thoroughly: Make sure there’s no pink left in your turkey.
Adjust Spice Levels: Spice tolerance varies; add more or less chili powder based on your preference.
Consider Vegetables: Feel free to toss in other veggies you love, like peas or carrots.
Taste and Adjust: Always taste your dish before serving and adjust seasoning as needed.

Storage Tips

Turkey keema is perfect for meal prep! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can keep for 3-4 days. If you want to stash it for longer, freeze it in portions. Just thaw before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

1. Fluffy Rice: Serve turkey keema over fluffy basmati rice. The rice soaks up the flavors beautifully.

2. Naan Bread: Warm naan is perfect for scooping up the keema. It’s a crowd-pleaser and adds a fun element to dining.

3. Wrap It Up: Use flour tortillas or lettuce wraps for a fun twist. You can even add cheese or avocado for extra flavor.

4. Side Salad: A fresh cucumber-tomato salad balances the warmth of the keema and adds a refreshing crunch.

5. Roasted Veggies: Roast a mix of vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers as a side dish. It complements the keema well.

What Other Substitute Can I Use in Turkey Keema Recipe?

If turkey isn’t available or if you prefer something different, here are some substitutes you might consider:

Ground Chicken: A lean and flavorful alternative that cooks similarly.
Plant-Based Meat: A great option for a vegetarian embrace and can mimic the texture of meat.
Ground Beef: A heartier choice, though it will alter the recipe’s health aspect.
Lentils: Replace the meat with lentils for a vegan twist. Just adjust the cooking time.
Tofu: Crumbled tofu can offer a protein-rich substitute, absorbing flavors beautifully.

Conclusion

Creating turkey keema has been a flavorful adventure filled with vibrant spices and aromas. Every bite tells a story, from the sizzling onions to the bright cilantro finish. I hope this recipe inspires you to try something new and brings joy to your table, whether for an intimate family dinner or a gathering with friends. Enjoy the delightful experience of cooking and savoring this turkey keema. Happy cooking, and bon appétit!

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Print Recipe

Turkey Keema Recipe – Friendsgiving Food Ideas

Author: Iris Miller Cuisine: Indian Courses: Lunch & Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 30 mins Total Time 45 mins

Servings: 6 Calories: 441 kcal

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

As a passionate food enthusiast, I’ve explored countless dishes over the years, but turkey keema holds a special place in my culinary heart. It’s vibrant, comforting, and packed with flavors that dance on your palate. What's great is that it offers a healthier alternative to traditional keema, typically made with lamb or beef.

But before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's answer the burning question: what exactly is turkey keema?