Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked rice
Special equipment needed:
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Heat the skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula.
2. Add the onion, garlic, red and green bell peppers, and cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, bay leaf, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Remove the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve the turkey tocana over cooked rice.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
5. Temperature:
Medium-high heat for browning the turkey, then low heat for simmering the tocana.
Serving size:
This recipe serves 4.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 365
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 28g
Sodium: 600mg
Sugar: 7g
Fiber: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef or pork can be used instead of turkey.
- Any color bell pepper can be used.
- Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried.
Variations:
- Add a can of drained and rinsed black beans for extra protein and fiber.
- Add a diced jalapeño pepper for some heat.
- Top with shredded cheese and sour cream before serving.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to break up the ground turkey into small pieces while browning it.
- Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet or Dutch oven while cooking the vegetables.
Storage instructions:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the tocana in a microwave-safe dish in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the turkey tocana in individual bowls over the rice, garnished with fresh herbs or sliced jalapeño peppers.
Garnishes:
Fresh herbs, sliced jalapeño peppers, shredded cheese, and sour cream.
Pairings:
A crisp green salad or steamed vegetables would pair well with this dish.
Suggested side dishes:
Steamed broccoli, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a mixed green salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the tocana is too thick, add more chicken broth or water to thin it out.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the ground turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
Tocana is a traditional Romanian stew made with meat and vegetables.
Flavor profiles:
The turkey tocana is savory and slightly sweet from the bell peppers and tomatoes, with a smoky flavor from the paprika.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the turkey tocana with a side of rice or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
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Region: Romanian