Gentle Turkey Seco with Naranjilla, Tender Quinoa, and Roasted Sambo Seeds
Ecuadorian Food
Intermediate

Gentle Turkey Seco with Naranjilla, Tender Quinoa, and Roasted Sambo Seeds

An original dish inspired by Ecuadorian flavors: turkey slowly simmered in a fragrant sauce of naranjilla, tomato, red onion, and annatto, served over fluffy quinoa and finished with toasted sambo seeds and fresh cilantro. Comforting, balanced, and deeply homey.

20 minPrep
40 minCook
60 minTotal
4Servings
Gluten-FreeDairy-FreeHigh Protein

Ingredients

Adjust servings
4
  • 600 g turkey breast, cubed (1.2 inch)
  • 180 g quinoa (enjuagada)
  • 720 ml water (divided)
  • 240 g naranjilla (pulpa licuada and colada)
  • 250 g tomato (chopped)
  • 160 g red onion (finely chopped)
  • 120 g red bell pepper (chopped diced small)
  • 12 g garlic (chopped)
  • 30 ml annatto oil (divided)
  • 2 g ground cumin
  • 1 g dried oregano
  • 8 g salt (or to taste)
  • 1 g black pepper (freshly ground)
  • 20 g fresh cilantro (chopped, divided)
  • 35 g sambo seeds (peladas)
  • 15 ml lime juice

Nutrition facts

per serving

356 kcal
Calories
38 g
Protein
24 g
Carbs
11 g
Fat
4 g
Fiber
20 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

No declared allergens

Instructions

  1. 1

    1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water. Place it in a saucepan with 360 ml (1 1/2 cups) water and 2 g (1/4 tsp) salt. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and cook for 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Remove from the heat, let rest for 5 minutes, and fluff with a fork.

  2. 2

    2. Season the turkey cubes with the cumin, oregano, 3 g (1/2 tsp) salt, and black pepper. Mix well so all the turkey is coated.

  3. 3

    3. Heat 15 ml (1 tbsp) annatto oil in a wide pot over medium heat, about 350°F/175°C cooking temperature. Brown the turkey for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove and set aside.

  4. 4

    4. In the same pot, add the remaining 15 ml (1 tbsp) annatto oil. Sauté the red onion, red bell pepper, and garlic for 4 minutes over medium heat, about 350°F/175°C, until fragrant and softened.

  5. 5

    5. Add the chopped tomato and cook 5 more minutes, lightly pressing it with a spoon so it forms a juicy base.

  6. 6

    6. Stir in the naranjilla pulp, the remaining 360 ml (1 1/2 cups) water, and 3 g (1/2 tsp) more salt. Mix well and let it come to a gentle boil.

  7. 7

    7. Return the turkey to the pot, reduce to medium-low heat, around 300°F/150°C cooking temperature, partially cover, and cook for 18 to 20 minutes, until the turkey is tender and the sauce is slightly thickened.

  8. 8

    8. Meanwhile, toast the sambo seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat, about 325°F/160°C, for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly so they do not burn. Set aside.

  9. 9

    9. Add half of the fresh cilantro and the lime juice to the stew. Taste and adjust with the remaining salt if needed.

  10. 10

    10. Serve a bed of quinoa on each plate, spoon the gentle turkey seco and its sauce on top, and finish with the remaining cilantro and the toasted sambo seeds.

Chef tips

If the naranjilla is especially tart, let the sauce reduce a little longer to round out the flavor. You can also blend the onion and tomato for a smoother sauce.

Substitutions

You can replace the turkey with chicken. If you cannot find naranjilla, use a mild passion fruit blend plus a little extra tomato, though the flavor profile will change. Sambo seeds can be replaced with pumpkin seeds.

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: 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
  • Illustrative image: Chef’s knifeIllustrative image

    Victorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef’s Knife

    Chopping, slicing and cutting strips

    • The knife I use most when cooking
    • Chops, slices and cuts into strips
    • Keep it sharp and hand-dry it
    View on Amazon

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