
Lemon Turkey with Pumpkin Seed Crust over Cabbage, Zucchini and White Bean Sauté
An original diabetic-friendly recipe featuring seared turkey breast finished in the oven with a light pumpkin seed crust, served over a flavorful sauté of cabbage, zucchini, white beans, and red onion with lemon and parsley.
Important notice: This recipe is not medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional.
Ingredients
- 600 g thick turkey breast cutlets (4 pieces)
- 45 g pumpkin seeds (chopped gruesas)
- 1 unit lemon (zest and 30 ml/2 tbsp of juice, divided)
- 2 cloves garlic (1 grated and 1 chopped)
- 10 ml Dijon mustard (for adherir the crust)
- 2 g dried oregano
- 2 g sweet paprika
- 30 ml olive oil (divided)
- 300 g green cabbage (in strips finas)
- 250 g zucchini (en medias lunas)
- 240 g cooked white beans (escurridas and enjuagadas)
- 100 g red onion (en pluma fina)
- 15 g fresh parsley (chopped)
- 5 g salt (or to taste)
- 2 g black pepper (freshly ground)
- 60 ml water (for soltar the salteado)
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
Preheat the oven to 220°C / 425°F. Pat the turkey cutlets dry with paper towels and place them on a board.
- 2
In a small bowl, combine the chopped pumpkin seeds, lemon zest, 1 grated garlic clove, dried oregano, sweet paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper.
- 3
Brush the top of each turkey cutlet with Dijon mustard and press the pumpkin seed mixture on top to create a light crust.
- 4
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the turkey for 2 minutes on the side without the crust. Turn off the heat, carefully flip so the crust faces up, and transfer the skillet to the oven. Roast for 10 to 12 minutes at 220°C / 425°F, until the turkey is cooked through. Remove and let rest for 5 minutes.
- 5
Meanwhile, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in another large skillet over medium heat. Add the red onion, the remaining chopped garlic clove, and a pinch of salt; cook for 3 minutes, stirring.
- 6
Add the green cabbage and cook for 5 minutes, stirring, until it begins to soften. Pour in the water to help tenderize it without over-browning.
- 7
Add the zucchini and cook for 4 more minutes. Stir in the cooked white beans, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, the remaining salt, and mix well. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the beans are heated through.
- 8
Turn off the heat and add the fresh parsley. Taste and adjust with more black pepper if desired.
- 9
Serve a bed of the cabbage, zucchini, and white bean sauté on each plate. Top with a pumpkin seed–crusted turkey cutlet and spoon over any resting juices.
Chef tips
Chop the pumpkin seeds by hand to keep some texture; if they are too fine, the crust loses crunch. Avoid moving the turkey too much in the pan so it browns well before roasting.
Substitutions
You can swap the white beans for cannellini or navy beans. Parsley can be replaced with cilantro or chives. If turkey is unavailable, use chicken breast and adjust the cooking time based on thickness.
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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