
Creamy Turkey Moqueca with Toasted Corn, Lime and Cassava Farofa
An original Brazilian-inspired recipe built around moqueca flavors: seared turkey in a silky coconut, tomato, bell pepper and lime sauce, finished with toasted corn and served with crisp cassava farofa and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
- 600 g turkey breast, cubed (1.2 in)
- 45 ml lime juice (divided)
- 12 g garlic (chopped)
- 4 g sweet paprika
- 2 g ground cumin
- 8 g salt (or to taste)
- 2 g black pepper
- 30 ml olive oil (divided)
- 180 g yellow onion (en medias lunas finas)
- 150 g red bell pepper (in strips)
- 150 g yellow bell pepper (in strips)
- 300 g ripe tomato (chopped)
- 400 ml coconut milk
- 180 ml chicken broth
- 160 g corn kernels (fresh or descongelado)
- 20 g fresh cilantro (chopped, divided)
- 30 g scallions (chopped)
- 120 g toasted cassava flour (for farofa)
- 28 g butter (for farofa)
- 70 g red onion (chopped fina)
- 2 g lime zest
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. In a bowl, combine the turkey with 30 ml (2 tbsp) lime juice, garlic, sweet paprika, cumin, 5 g (3/4 tsp) salt, black pepper, and 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil. Marinate for 15 minutes in the refrigerator.
- 2
2. Heat a large skillet or wide pot over medium-high heat. Add 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil and sear the marinated turkey for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring so it browns on all sides. Transfer the turkey to a plate; it does not need to be fully cooked yet.
- 3
3. In the same pan, add the yellow onion, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until slightly softened. Stir in the chopped tomato and cook 4 minutes more, pressing it lightly so it releases its juices.
- 4
4. Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce to medium heat and cook for 5 minutes so the sauce comes together.
- 5
5. Meanwhile, in a separate skillet over medium-high heat, dry-toast the corn for 3 to 4 minutes until lightly charred in spots. Set aside.
- 6
6. Return the turkey and any juices to the sauce. Cook over medium-low heat for 8 to 10 minutes, until the turkey is tender and fully cooked and the sauce is slightly thickened. Add the toasted corn, scallions, half of the cilantro, the remaining 15 ml (1 tbsp) lime juice, and adjust with the remaining salt to taste.
- 7
7. For the farofa, melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the red onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until soft. Add the toasted cassava flour and stir constantly for 3 to 4 minutes until fragrant and crisp. Mix in the lime zest and the remaining cilantro, then remove from the heat.
- 8
8. Serve the creamy turkey moqueca hot, topped with the cassava-herb farofa. If you want to hold it warm before serving, transfer it to an oven-safe dish and keep it at 200°F / 95°C for up to 10 minutes.
Chef tips
For a deeper sauce, let the tomato cook until it nearly breaks down before adding the coconut milk. Toast the corn without oil to bring out smoky and sweet notes at the same time.
Substitutions
You can substitute the turkey with boneless chicken thighs in the same amount. If toasted cassava flour is unavailable, use plain panko for a crunchy topping, though the dish will no longer be gluten-free. Cilantro can be replaced with parsley for a milder flavor.
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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