Creamy Turkey and Corn Moqueca with Cilantro Rice and Toasted Coconut Farofa
Brazilian Food
Intermediate

Creamy Turkey and Corn Moqueca with Cilantro Rice and Toasted Coconut Farofa

An original Brazilian-inspired recipe built around the comforting character of a gentle moqueca: tender turkey simmered in a creamy coconut sauce with tomato, bell pepper, and corn, served with fragrant cilantro rice and a toasted coconut-manioc farofa for texture.

25 minPrep
40 minCook
65 minTotal
4Servings
High Protein

Ingredients

Adjust servings
4
  • 600 g turkey breast, cubed (1.2 in)
  • 30 ml lime juice (for marinar the pavo)
  • 12 g garlic, minced (divided entre the pavo, the sauce and the arroz)
  • 8 g salt (or to taste, divided)
  • 2 g black pepper (divided)
  • 4 g sweet paprika (for the pavo)
  • 30 ml dendê oil (divided)
  • 180 g yellow onion, diced (divided)
  • 140 g red bell pepper, sliced (for the sauce)
  • 300 g roma tomatoes, diced (for the sauce)
  • 180 g sweet corn kernels (fresh or congelado)
  • 400 ml coconut milk (without sugar)
  • 25 g cilantro, chopped (divided entre the sauce and the arroz)
  • 240 g long-grain white rice (enjuagado)
  • 480 ml water (for cocer the arroz)
  • 15 g butter (for the arroz)
  • 80 g manioc flour (for the farofa)
  • 35 g unsweetened shredded coconut (for the farofa)
  • 60 g red onion, finely chopped (for the farofa)

Nutrition facts

per serving

684 kcal
Calories
39 g
Protein
58 g
Carbs
33 g
Fat
5 g
Fiber
53 g
Net carbs

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

Dairy

Instructions

  1. 1

    1. In a bowl, combine the turkey with the lime juice, 4 g (about 1 1/3 tsp) minced garlic, 3 g (1/2 tsp) salt, 1 g (1/2 tsp) black pepper, and the sweet paprika. Let it marinate for 15 minutes while you prepare the remaining components.

  2. 2

    2. For the rice, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 60 g (about 1/3 cup) yellow onion and 4 g (1 clove) minced garlic; sauté for 2 minutes. Stir in the rice for 1 minute. Add the water and 2 g (1/3 tsp) salt, bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and cook for 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Remove from the heat and let rest for 5 minutes.

  3. 3

    3. While the rice cooks, heat 15 ml (1 tbsp) dendê oil in a wide skillet or braiser over medium-high heat. Brown the marinated turkey for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring to sear the outside without fully cooking it through. Transfer to a plate.

  4. 4

    4. In the same skillet, add the remaining 15 ml (1 tbsp) dendê oil. Add 120 g (about 3/4 cup) yellow onion, the red bell pepper, and the remaining garlic; cook for 4 minutes until softened.

  5. 5

    5. Add the tomatoes, corn, 3 g (1/2 tsp) salt, and the remaining black pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring, until the tomatoes release their juices.

  6. 6

    6. Pour in the coconut milk and add half of the chopped cilantro. Return the turkey to the skillet along with any juices from the plate. Cook over medium-low heat for 12 to 15 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly and the turkey is tender and fully cooked.

  7. 7

    7. To finish the rice, fluff it with a fork and fold in the remaining chopped cilantro. Adjust the salt if needed.

  8. 8

    8. For the farofa, place a small skillet over medium heat. Add the red onion and cook dry for 1 minute, then add the manioc flour and shredded coconut. Toast for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is golden and fragrant. Remove from the heat before it gets too dark.

  9. 9

    9. Serve the creamy turkey moqueca hot alongside the cilantro rice and finish each plate with the toasted coconut farofa on top or on the side.

  10. 10

    10. If you prefer an oven finish to keep everything hot before serving, place the oven-safe skillet or baking dish in the oven for 5 minutes at 180 °C / 350 °F, then serve immediately.

Chef tips

For a thicker sauce, let the moqueca reduce uncovered for 2 or 3 extra minutes. If you want a stronger dendê flavor, drizzle in a few extra drops right before serving.

Substitutions

You can replace the turkey with the same amount of cubed chicken. If dendê oil is unavailable, use vegetable oil and add an extra pinch of paprika, though the flavor will be less traditional. The butter in the rice can be replaced with oil to avoid dairy.

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 image: Air fryerIllustrative image

    Cosori 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
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Digital kitchen thermometerIllustrative image

    TempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer

    Checking doneness of meat and chicken

    • Checks doneness of meat and chicken
    • Quick reading
    • Clean the probe after each use
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Non-stick frying panIllustrative image

    T-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
    View on Amazon

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