Christmas star of sweet potato and spiced turkey with mild chipotle cream and candied pepitas

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 400 °F / 200 °C. Lightly grease a 24 cm springform pan or baking dish with the butter.

2. 2

   Place the sweet potato slices on two sheet pans. Toss them with 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Roast for 18 to 20 minutes at 400 °F / 200 °C, turning halfway through, until just tender but not falling apart.

3. 3

   While the sweet potatoes roast, heat the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, red bell pepper, and garlic; cook for 5 minutes until softened.

4. 4

   Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink.

5. 5

   Stir in the smoked paprika, cumin, cinnamon, oregano, tomato paste, 1 teaspoon salt, and 3/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook for 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth and cook for 3 to 4 minutes more, until the filling is moist but not watery. Remove from the heat.

6. 6

   In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, heavy cream, chipotle in adobo, and lime juice until smooth.

7. 7

   In a small skillet over medium-low heat, toast the pumpkin seeds for 2 minutes. Add the honey and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until glossy and lightly caramelized. Transfer to a plate to cool and separate with a spoon if they stick together.

8. 8

   Reduce the oven temperature to 375 °F / 190 °C. To form the star, arrange a layer of sweet potato slices on the bottom of the pan, then spread some of the turkey filling. Continue alternating sweet potato and turkey, shaping 5 points on the top with the final sweet potato slices. Use all of the filling and all of the sweet potatoes.

9. 9

   Spread the chipotle cream cheese mixture over the top, leaving some of the star lines visible. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes at 375 °F / 190 °C, until heated through and lightly golden around the edges.

10. 10

    Let rest for 10 minutes. Finish with the candied pumpkin seeds and fresh cilantro before serving.