
Instant Pot Turkey with Zucchini, Red Pepper, and Lemon-Dill Pearl Couscous
An original Instant Pot dish with tender turkey cubes, zucchini, and red bell pepper in a light tomato-lemon sauce, finished with pearl couscous and fresh dill for a silky texture and bright flavor.
Ingredients
- 600 g turkey breast, cubed (1.2 inch)
- 15 ml olive oil
- 150 g yellow onion (chopped)
- 12 g garlic (chopped)
- 160 g red bell pepper (diced)
- 220 g zucchini (en medias lunas gruesas)
- 200 g crushed tomato
- 480 ml chicken or turkey broth (low sodium if preferred)
- 180 g pearl couscous (also llamado israelí)
- 4 g lemon zest
- 30 ml lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 12 g fresh dill (chopped, more extra for terminar)
- 2 g sweet paprika
- 1 g ground cumin
- 6 g salt (or to taste)
- 1 g black pepper (freshly ground)
- 120 g plain Greek yogurt (for servir)
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 on high. Once hot, add the olive oil and brown the turkey for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring, until it loses its pink color. It does not need to be fully cooked. Transfer the turkey to a plate.
- 2
2. Add the onion and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the garlic and red bell pepper, and cook 1 minute more. Add the sweet paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper, stirring for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
- 3
3. Pour in the crushed tomato and 60 ml (1/4 cup) of the broth. Scrape the bottom well to release any stuck bits and prevent the burn warning.
- 4
4. Return the turkey to the pot. Add the remaining broth, pearl couscous, and lemon zest. Stir only once to distribute.
- 5
5. Place the zucchini on top without overmixing. Lock the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 6 minutes.
- 6
6. When the cooking cycle ends, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then carefully quick-release the remaining pressure.
- 7
7. Open the lid and add the lemon juice, chopped fresh dill, and Greek yogurt. Stir gently until the sauce becomes creamy and the couscous is tender. For a looser texture, add an extra 15 to 30 ml (1 to 2 tbsp) broth.
- 8
8. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Serve hot, finished with a little more fresh dill. If reheating, warm it until fully hot, at least 74°C / 165°F in the center.
Chef tips
For better browning, cook the turkey in two batches if your pot is small. The zucchini is placed on top so it keeps its shape and does not turn mushy. Use fresh dill rather than dried for the brightest flavor profile.
Substitutions
You can swap the turkey for cubed chicken. Greek yogurt can be replaced with crème fraîche for a richer finish. If you do not have dill, use fresh parsley, though the flavor will be less herbal and anise-like. Pearl couscous can be replaced with orzo, adjusting the liquid if needed.
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 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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