Caribbean Turkey and Pumpkin Stew with Toasted Coconut, Okra, and Lime Rice
An original Caribbean-inspired stew with browned turkey, tender pumpkin, okra, tomato, thyme, and an aromatic base of toasted coconut and gentle spices, served with fragrant lime rice. Comforting, vibrant, and well balanced.
Ingredients
- 500 g ground turkey (preferiblemente muslo or mezcla magra)
- 400 g pumpkin, diced (skinless)
- 200 g okra, sliced (fresh or descongelado)
- 200 g long-grain white rice (enjuagado)
- 400 ml coconut milk (without sugar)
- 500 ml water or broth (divided entre the cazuela and the arroz)
- 200 g crushed tomato (en conserva or fresh crushed)
- 150 g yellow onion, chopped
- 120 g red bell pepper, chopped
- 12 g garlic, minced
- 10 g fresh ginger, grated
- 25 g unsweetened shredded coconut
- 30 ml vegetable oil (divided)
- 30 g tomato paste
- 4 g fresh thyme (solo the leaves)
- 30 g scallions, chopped
- 1 unit lime (zest and juice)
- 2 g ground cumin
- 1 g ground allspice
- 2 g sweet paprika
- 1 unit bay leaf
- 8 g salt (or to taste)
- 2 g black pepper (or to taste)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
No declared allergens
Instructions
- 1
1. In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the rice and half of the scallions, stir for 1 minute, then add 300 ml (1 1/4 cups) water, the lime zest, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and cook for 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Rest for 5 minutes and fluff with a fork.
- 2
2. Meanwhile, place the shredded coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat and toast for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring, until golden and fragrant. Remove and set aside.
- 3
3. In a wide pot or stew pan, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey, 1/2 teaspoon salt, black pepper, cumin, sweet paprika, and allspice. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, breaking it up, until the turkey is browned.
- 4
4. Add the onion, red bell pepper, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 4 minutes until the onion softens. Stir in the tomato paste and cook 1 minute more to deepen the flavor.
- 5
5. Add the pumpkin, crushed tomato, coconut milk, 200 ml (3/4 cup plus 1 tbsp) water or broth, thyme, and bay leaf. Mix well and bring to a gentle simmer.
- 6
6. Lower to medium-low heat, partially cover, and cook for 15 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the pumpkin starts to become tender.
- 7
7. Add the okra and cook uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes more, until the okra is tender and the sauce has the consistency of a light stew. Adjust with the remaining salt and a few drops of lime juice.
- 8
8. Remove the bay leaf. Serve the stew hot over the lime rice and finish with the toasted coconut, the remaining scallions, and a little more lime juice on top if desired.
- 9
9. If you prefer to hold the stew warm before serving, you may cover it and place it in a preheated oven at 200 °F / 95 °C for up to 15 minutes.
Chef tips
For a silkier texture, let the stew rest for 5 minutes before serving. If the okra is very moist, pat it dry before adding it to reduce excess sliminess. Add the toasted coconut at the end to keep it crisp.
Substitutions
You can substitute the turkey with ground chicken. Pumpkin may be replaced with sweet potato or butternut squash. If you do not have okra, use green beans, though the result will be less traditional. White rice can be replaced with jasmine rice.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageNinja Professional BL610 Blender
Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Easy-to-wash jar
- Check the power and jar size
Illustrative imageCosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer
Browning and baking with little oil
- Browns food with very little oil
- Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
- Check the basket capacity
Illustrative imageTempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Ratings & reviews
Sign in to rate this recipe
Sign inRelated recipes
Caribbean Red Snapper with Guava-Rum Glaze over Creamy Pumpkin Thyme Rice
60 min
Caribbean Chicken Thighs in Toasted Coconut Tamarind Sauce with Red Bean Rice and Crispy Plantain
70 min
Caribbean Pineapple-Coconut Lime Glazed Chicken
55 min
Caribbean Baked Fish with Coconut Herb Crust over Mashed Sweet Plantain and Lime-Pickled Cucumber
55 min
Caribbean Chicken Thighs with Cane-Citrus Marinade, Creamy Pigeon Pea Rice, and Roasted Sweet Plantain
80 min
Caribbean Baked Snapper with Cocoa and Sweet Pepper Crust over Cassava Couscous and Pineapple Mint Salad
55 min