Cuban Turkey Fricassee with Pumpkin, Green Olives and Lemon Rice

Instructions

1. 1

   1. In a bowl, combine the turkey with the sour orange juice, half of the garlic, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Marinate for 20 minutes in the refrigerator.

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   2. Heat a wide pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Lightly drain the turkey from the marinade, reserving the marinade, and brown it for 5 to 7 minutes until colored on several sides.

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   3. Add the onion, green bell pepper, and remaining garlic. Cook for 4 minutes, stirring, until the vegetables soften. Stir in the crushed tomato, remaining cumin, bay leaf, and the rest of the black pepper. Cook 2 minutes more.

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   4. Pour in the dry cooking wine and let it gently boil for 2 minutes so the alcohol can cook off. Add the reserved marinade, green olives, pumpkin, and 1 1/2 cups water or chicken broth. Adjust with the remaining salt.

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   5. Once boiling, reduce to medium-low heat, partially cover, and cook for 30 to 35 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the turkey is tender and the pumpkin is cooked but still holding its shape. If checking internal temperature, the turkey should reach 165 °F / 74 °C.

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   6. Meanwhile, make the rice. In a medium saucepan, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and stir for 1 minute to lightly toast it.

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   7. Add the 2 1/4 cups water, lemon zest, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, reduce to low heat, cover, and cook for 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.

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   8. Turn off the heat for the rice and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and mix in the chopped fresh parsley.

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   9. Remove the bay leaf from the fricassee. If you want a slightly thicker sauce, cook uncovered for 3 to 5 more minutes. Serve the hot turkey fricassee over the lemon rice.

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    10. If you prefer to finish the dish in the oven, transfer the oven-safe pot to 350 °F / 175 °C for 10 minutes after step 4, then continue as needed until the turkey is fully cooked.