Hearty Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Curry
Warm up your winter nights with this richly flavored Hearty Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Curry. This delightful dish combines the heartiness of lean ground turkey with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes and the vibrant taste of Indian spices. The creamy coconut milk adds a luscious texture, while the peas bring a pop of color and freshness. Thoughtfully crafted for comfort and nourishment, this twist on a classic stew is packed with nutrients, making it a satisfying meal that doesn’t require any additional sides like rice or naan. Perfect for cozy evenings with family or friends, this dish will leave everyone asking for seconds.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
ghee or oil
2 tablespoons (Melted)
onions
2 small (Chopped)
serrano peppers
4 (Chopped)
garlic cloves
3 (Minced)
salt
1 teaspoon (To taste)
ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon (Ground)
cinnamon
1 teaspoon (Ground)
ground cumin
2 teaspoons (Ground)
ground cardamom
1 teaspoon (Ground)
chili powder
1 teaspoon (Ground)
ginger
2 tablespoons (Peeled and shredded)
lean ground turkey
1 lb (Raw)
sweet potatoes
2 1/2 cups (Peeled and diced into bite-size pieces)
coconut milk
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (Light version preferred)
water
1/2-1 cup (As needed)
tomato paste
1 tablespoon (N/A)
palm sugar or brown sugar
1 tablespoon (N/A)
frozen peas
5 ounces (N/A)
garam masala
1/2-1 teaspoon (Optional)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, heat the ghee or oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions, serrano peppers, and minced garlic, and sauté for 3-5 minutes until the onions are softened and translucent.
2
Sprinkle in the salt, ground turmeric, cinnamon, ground cumin, ground cardamom, chili powder, and shredded ginger. Stir the spice mixture for about 1 minute to release their aromas.
3
Add the lean ground turkey to the pan and stir well. Cook for approximately 3-5 minutes until the turkey is browned and cooked through.
4
Incorporate the diced sweet potatoes, coconut milk, 1/2 cup of water, tomato paste, and palm or brown sugar. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle boil.
5
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the saucepan. Allow the curry to cook for about 20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender. If the mixture becomes too thick, add the additional 1/2 cup of water to reach your desired consistency.
6
Stir in the frozen peas and garam masala if using. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, just until the peas are heated through. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
7
Serve hot and enjoy your Hearty Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Curry!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Curry?
It is a rich, flavorful dish that combines lean ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and vibrant Indian spices in a creamy coconut milk base.
Is this turkey curry recipe healthy?
Yes, it is packed with nutrients from sweet potatoes, lean protein, and fresh vegetables, making it a nourishing meal option.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
This recipe includes 19 ingredients, ranging from spices and aromatics to the main proteins and vegetables.
What kind of meat is used in this curry?
The recipe specifically uses 1 lb of lean ground turkey.
Do I need to serve this curry with rice or naan?
No, this dish is thoughtfully crafted to be a satisfying, stand-alone meal that does not require additional sides.
What type of milk is used to make the curry creamy?
The recipe calls for one 14.5-ounce can of coconut milk, with the light version being preferred.
What makes this recipe spicy?
The heat comes from four chopped serrano peppers and a teaspoon of chili powder.
Can I use oil instead of ghee?
Yes, you can use either 2 tablespoons of ghee or your preferred cooking oil to sauté the aromatics.
How long should I cook the sweet potatoes?
The sweet potatoes should be simmered in the curry for about 20 minutes, or until they are tender.
When should I add the frozen peas?
Add the frozen peas at the very end of the cooking process, stirring them in for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Is the ginger used in this recipe fresh or dried?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of fresh ginger that has been peeled and shredded.
What spices provide the Indian flavor profile?
The flavor is built using turmeric, cinnamon, cumin, cardamom, chili powder, and optional garam masala.
How do I prep the sweet potatoes?
The sweet potatoes should be peeled and diced into bite-size pieces before being added to the pan.
What should I do if the curry becomes too thick?
If the mixture is too thick after simmering, you can add an additional 1/2 cup of water to reach your desired consistency.
What type of sugar is recommended for this dish?
You can use 1 tablespoon of either palm sugar or brown sugar to balance the flavors.
Is garam masala mandatory for this recipe?
No, garam masala is listed as an optional ingredient to be added at the end for extra flavor.
How long does it take to brown the ground turkey?
The ground turkey typically takes approximately 3-5 minutes to brown and cook through.
What aromatics are sautéed at the beginning?
The cooking begins by sautéing chopped onions, serrano peppers, and minced garlic.
Does this recipe include tomato products?
Yes, one tablespoon of tomato paste is included to add depth and color to the curry sauce.
Is this a good recipe for winter?
Absolutely, its warm spices and hearty texture make it a perfect comfort food for cozy winter evenings.
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, though frozen peas are convenient and cook quickly, fresh peas can be used if preferred.
What size should the onions be?
The recipe suggests using 2 small onions, finely chopped.
How much garlic is needed?
You will need 3 minced garlic cloves for this recipe.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Based on the ingredients listed (turkey, vegetables, spices, coconut milk), this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, if you use oil instead of ghee, the entire dish will be dairy-free as it uses coconut milk for creaminess.
What is the first step in making this curry?
The first step is to heat ghee or oil in a large saucepan and sauté the onions, peppers, and garlic until softened.
How much water is needed in total?
You start with 1/2 cup of water and may add up to another 1/2 cup later to adjust the thickness.
How much salt should I add?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt, but you should taste and adjust as needed at the end.
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
While the recipe specifies ground turkey, ground chicken is a suitable lean substitute that would work well with these spices.
How do you serve the final dish?
The curry should be served hot immediately after the peas have been heated through and the seasoning has been adjusted.