Spicy pilaf with vegetables and turkey

4 servings

85 minutes

Spicy pilaf with vegetables and turkey is a refined dish of Greek cuisine that combines the tenderness of turkey, the sweetness of pumpkin, and the rich aroma of spices. Inspired by Eastern motifs, this pilaf gains depth of flavor from coriander, cumin, and turmeric. Slow-cooked in the oven with vegetable broth, basmati rice absorbs all the richness of the spices, becoming fluffy and fragrant. The freshness of herbs added at the end gives the dish lightness and completeness. This pilaf is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a festive feast, delighting with its vibrant taste and health benefits.

Energy value per serving

• Calories: 334.3
• Proteins: 21.2g
• Fats: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 57.3g

Ingredients

• Turkey fillet: 250 g
• Pumpkin: 250 g
• Brown Basmati Rice: 175 g
• Tomatoes: 3 pc
• Carrot: 2 pc
• Leek: 2 stem
• Onion: 1 head
• Frozen green peas: 100 g
• Garlic: 1 clove
• Coriander: 1 bunch
• Thyme: 2 stem
• Vegetable broth: 500 ml
• Vegetable oil: 1 tsp
• Ground coriander: 1 tsp
• Caraway: 1 tsp
• Turmeric: 1 tsp
• Bay leaf: 2 pc
• Ground red pepper: 0.5 tsp
• Freshly ground black pepper: pinch

Cooking steps

1. Peel the pumpkin and cut it into 3 cm pieces.

   Required ingredients:

   • Pumpkin: 250 g

2. Cut the tomatoes into small cubes.

   Required ingredients:

   • Tomatoes: 3 pieces

3. All other vegetables should also be chopped small, but not mixed.

   Required ingredients:

   • Carrot: 2 pieces
   • Leek: 2 stems
   • Onion: 1 head
   • Garlic: 1 clove

4. Preheat the oven to 180°C.

5. In an oven-safe skillet, heat vegetable oil and sauté chopped onion and garlic for 5 minutes, adding water if necessary.

   Required ingredients:

   • Onion: 1 head
   • Garlic: 1 clove
   • Vegetable oil: 1 teaspoon

6. Add thyme leaves, bay leaf, coriander, cumin, turmeric, and red pepper, and mix.

   Required ingredients:

   • Thyme: 2 stems
   • Bay leaf: 2 pieces
   • Ground coriander: 1 teaspoon
   • Caraway: 1 teaspoon
   • Turmeric: 1 teaspoon
   • Ground red pepper: 0.5 teaspoon

7. Cut the turkey into long narrow strips, place in a pan and shake to mix everything. Cook for two minutes.

   Required ingredients:

   • Turkey fillet: 250 g

8. Add chopped leeks, carrots, and pumpkin and cook for 3 minutes.

   Required ingredients:

   • Leek: 2 stems
   • Carrot: 2 pieces
   • Pumpkin: 250 g

9. Wash the rice and add it to the pan.

   Required ingredients:

   • Brown Basmati Rice: 175 g

10. Pour in the broth, add green peas and tomatoes. Bring to a boil, cover with a lid or foil, and transfer to the oven. Cook for 30−40 minutes until the rice is soft and most of the liquid is absorbed.

    Required ingredients:

    • Vegetable broth: 500 ml
    • Frozen green peas: 100 g
    • Tomatoes: 3 pieces

11. Remove from the oven and fluff the rice. Cover again and let it sit for 3-5 minutes.

12. Chop cilantro or parsley finely.

    Required ingredients:

    • Coriander: 1 bunch

13. Season the cooked rice with pepper, sprinkle with chopped herbs, and serve.

    Required ingredients:

    • Freshly ground black pepper:  pinch
    • Coriander: 1 bunch