
Colombian Turkey Stew with Chayote, Creole Potatoes, and Cilantro Hogao
An original stew inspired by Colombian home cooking, made with seared turkey, tender chayote, creole potatoes, and a fresh hogao of tomato, scallion, and cilantro. It is comforting, aromatic, and perfect for a traditional main course with a distinctive twist.
Ingredients
- 700 g boneless turkey thigh, cut into chunks (skinless)
- 400 g chayote (pelada and diced medium)
- 500 g creole potatoes (whole or partidas a the mitad si son large)
- 300 g ripe tomato (chopped fino)
- 120 g scallions (chopped finely)
- 12 g garlic (machacado)
- 20 g fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 2 g ground cumin
- 3 g annatto or paprika
- 750 ml chicken broth or water (hot)
- 30 ml vegetable oil
- 30 ml lime juice
- 8 g salt (or to taste)
- 2 g black pepper (freshly ground)
- 100 g sweet pepper or red bell pepper (chopped diced small)
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
No declared allergens
Instructions
- 1
1. In a bowl, season the turkey with the lime juice, 1 teaspoon of the salt, the black pepper, the cumin, and half of the garlic. Let it rest for 10 minutes while you prepare the vegetables.
- 2
2. Heat a large pot over medium heat with the oil for 1 minute. Brown the turkey for 5 to 7 minutes, turning to sear several sides. Remove and set aside.
- 3
3. In the same pot, add the scallions, tomato, sweet pepper or bell pepper, the remaining garlic, and the annatto or paprika. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes over medium heat until a thick, fragrant hogao forms.
- 4
4. Return the turkey to the pot and mix well with the hogao for 1 minute so it is fully coated with the juices and seasonings.
- 5
5. Add the chayote, creole potatoes, and hot broth. Add the remaining salt and stir gently. Once it comes to a boil, reduce to medium-low heat, cover, and cook for 30 to 35 minutes until the turkey is tender and the potatoes are cooked through.
- 6
6. Uncover and lightly mash a few creole potatoes against the side of the pot to naturally thicken the broth. Cook 5 more minutes uncovered, stirring carefully.
- 7
7. Add the fresh cilantro, taste for salt, and adjust if needed. Cook 1 additional minute to blend the aromas.
- 8
8. Serve hot. If you want to keep it warm before serving, you can leave the covered pot in the oven at 200 °F / 95 °C for up to 10 minutes.
Chef tips
For a more homemade flavor, use homemade broth. If your creole potatoes are very small, leave them whole so they keep their texture better. The stew tastes even better after resting for 10 minutes before serving.
Substitutions
You can replace the turkey with boneless chicken thighs in the same amount. If you cannot find chayote, use firm zucchini, adding it during the last 15 minutes so it does not fall apart. Cilantro can be replaced with parsley, though the flavor will be less traditional.
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 imageNinja Professional BL610 Blender
Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Easy-to-wash jar
- Check the power and jar size
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
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