Spicy Turkey and Lima Bean Stew with Huacatay, Lime, and Sweet Potato Crisp
Peruvian Food
Intermediate

Spicy Turkey and Lima Bean Stew with Huacatay, Lime, and Sweet Potato Crisp

An original Peruvian main dish featuring seared turkey in a creamy ají amarillo and ají panca sauce, tender lima beans, fresh huacatay, and a bright touch of lime. It is finished with a baked sweet potato crisp for textural contrast.

25 minPrep
40 minCook
65 minTotal
4Servings
Gluten-FreeHigh Protein

Ingredients

Adjust servings
4
  • 600 g turkey breast, medium dice (skinless)
  • 400 g cooked lima beans (escurridos)
  • 250 g sweet potato (thinly sliced muy finas)
  • 180 g red onion (chopped diced small)
  • 12 g garlic (chopped fino)
  • 45 g ají amarillo paste
  • 30 g ají panca paste
  • 20 g fresh huacatay (leaves lightly chopped)
  • 500 ml chicken stock (hot)
  • 180 ml evaporated milk
  • 30 ml lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 45 ml vegetable oil (divided)
  • 2 g ground cumin
  • 1 g dried oregano (frotado entre the dedos)
  • 8 g salt (or to taste)
  • 2 g black pepper (freshly ground)
  • 80 g fresh cheese (desmenuzado for terminar)

Nutrition facts

per serving

443 kcal
Calories
39 g
Protein
29 g
Carbs
20 g
Fat
6 g
Fiber
23 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

    Preheat the oven to 220 °C / 425 °F. Toss the sweet potato slices with 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Arrange them on a parchment-lined tray in a single layer and bake for 15 to 18 minutes at 220 °C / 425 °F, turning halfway through, until golden and crisp around the edges. Set aside.

  2. 2

    Season the turkey with 1 teaspoon salt, black pepper, and ground cumin. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a wide skillet or shallow pot over medium-high heat and brown the turkey for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring to sear it on all sides. Remove and reserve.

  3. 3

    In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and cook the red onion for 5 minutes over medium heat until softened. Add the garlic, ají amarillo paste, and ají panca paste; cook 2 minutes more, stirring so the pastes fry gently without burning.

  4. 4

    Add the dried oregano, pour in the hot chicken stock, and scrape the bottom of the pan to release the browned bits. Add the cooked lima beans and let the mixture simmer gently for 8 minutes over medium-low heat so the sauce thickens slightly.

  5. 5

    Return the turkey to the skillet and cook for 6 to 8 minutes over medium-low heat until cooked through and juicy. Stir in the evaporated milk and mix well. Cook 3 minutes more without letting it boil vigorously.

  6. 6

    Turn off the heat and add the fresh huacatay and lime juice. Taste and adjust with the remaining salt if needed. The sauce should be creamy, aromatic, and gently spicy.

  7. 7

    Serve the turkey and lima bean stew very hot, finish with crumbled fresh cheese on top, and place the crisp sweet potato shard over each portion just before serving.

Chef tips

For a thicker sauce, lightly mash a small portion of the lima beans in the pan before adding the evaporated milk. Add the huacatay at the end to preserve its signature herbal aroma.

Substitutions

You can replace the turkey with diced chicken. If fresh huacatay is unavailable, use a small amount of huacatay paste. Fresh cheese can be replaced with mild feta, keeping in mind it will add more salt.

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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