
Instant Pot Turkey with Zucchini, Creamy Paprika Rice and Toasted Pepitas
An original Instant Pot dish with tender turkey cubes, sautéed zucchini, creamy paprika rice, and a touch of lemon, finished with toasted pepitas for a crunchy contrast.
Ingredients
- 500 g turkey breast, diced (1-inch cubes)
- 300 g zucchini (en medias lunas)
- 220 g long-grain rice (enjuagado and escurrido)
- 120 g yellow onion (chopped fina)
- 12 g garlic (chopped)
- 120 g roasted red pepper strips (escurrido and chopped)
- 720 ml chicken or turkey broth (low sodium if possible)
- 80 ml heavy cream (for dar cremosidad)
- 15 ml olive oil
- 15 g butter
- 5 g sweet paprika
- 2 g ground cumin
- 2 g lemon zest
- 15 ml lemon juice
- 35 g pumpkin seeds (pepitas) (tostadas)
- 10 g fresh parsley (chopped)
- 6 g salt (or to taste)
- 1 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
Instructions
- 1
1. Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. When the insert is hot, add the olive oil and butter. Add the onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring, until slightly softened.
- 2
2. Add the garlic, sweet paprika, and ground cumin. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring, so the spices bloom without burning.
- 3
3. Add the turkey cubes, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, and the black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring, until the outside is no longer raw. Add the zucchini and roasted red pepper, and stir for 1 more minute.
- 4
4. Stir in the rinsed rice and pour in the broth. Scrape the bottom well with a wooden spoon to loosen any bits and prevent a burn warning. Cancel Sauté mode.
- 5
5. Lock the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 6 minutes. When finished, let it rest for 5 minutes with natural release, then carefully quick-release the remaining pressure.
- 6
6. Open the lid and add the heavy cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, and the remaining salt. Stir for 1 minute until the rice turns creamy and the turkey is fully cooked.
- 7
7. While it rests, toast the pepitas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring, until fragrant. If you prefer to use the oven, toast them at 350°F / 175°C for 5 to 6 minutes.
- 8
8. Serve hot and finish each portion with fresh parsley and toasted pepitas on top.
Chef tips
For an even creamier texture, let it rest 2 extra minutes before serving. If you like a smoky note, replace 1 teaspoon of the sweet paprika with smoked paprika.
Substitutions
You can swap the turkey for diced chicken in the same amount. The heavy cream can be replaced with evaporated cream for a lighter finish. If you do not have pepitas, use toasted sunflower seeds.
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 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
Illustrative imageT-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan
Eggs, omelets and stir-fries
- Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
- Comfortable, sturdy handle
- Use wooden or silicone utensils
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