Turkey, Chickpea & Tajine Rice
Accented with warm spices and lemon, this lovely Moroccan-style dish is both fragrant and flavorful. Paired with our Success® Basmati Rice, it’s a complete meal that’s easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 2 bags Success® Basmati Rice
- 1 lb boneless, skinless turkey breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tsp salt, divided
- 1 tsp black pepper, divided
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger root, minced
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 cups butternut squash, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 1/2 cup pitted green olives
- 1/4 cup dried apricots, chopped
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
Bring Moroccan flavor and flair to dinner tonight with this vibrant and delicious dish loaded with colorful and fragrant spices like curry, coriander, cumin and turmeric.
Step 1
Prepare rice according to package directions.
Step 2
Season turkey with half of the salt and pepper. Heat oil over medium-high heat in a large, high-sided skillet or Dutch oven. Sauté the turkey for 3 to 5 minutes, or until starting to brown. Using a slotted spoon, transfer turkey to a plate and reserve.
Step 3
Add onions, garlic, ginger and remaining salt and pepper to skillet and cook for 5 to 8 minutes, or until light golden and very tender. Stir in coriander, cumin, curry powder, turmeric and cinnamon and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until fragrant.
Step 4
Stir in broth, tomato paste and bay leaves and bring to a boil. Add butternut squash, chickpeas, carrot, olives and dried apricots and return to a boil.
Step 5
Return turkey to skillet. Stir in lemon juice and lemon zest. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, or until turkey is cooked through and vegetables are tender. Discard bay leaves. Stir in rice and cilantro.
Recipe Tips
Make this dish with what you have on hand by substituting chicken for the turkey. Or, if you want to make this vegetarian, add extra chickpeas or use plant-based chicken strips, instead. Substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth, if preparing a vegetarian meal.
Kick things up by serving this tajine alongside some harissa paste. This North African hot chili paste is a spicy addition, so a little goes a long way!
This recipe can be cooked in an Instant Pot, if desired.
Moroccan Flavors
If you’re in the mood for bold flavors for dinner tonight, you can’t go wrong with this vibrant and flavor-packed Turkey, Chickpea & Rice Tajine. Made with conveniently-portioned and hassle-free Success® Basmati Rice, turkey breast, squash, olives, apricots and an array of fragrant and flavorful Moroccan-inspired herbs and spices, this beautiful dish is as colorful as it is delicious. Enjoy it with family for dinner tonight or serve this show-stopper at your next dinner party.
Also, don’t forget to take a look at this fine vegetarian dish, our vegan mushroom meatloaf.
Tajine 101
In Moroccan culture, a tajine (or tagine, as it is sometimes spelled) is a traditional cooking vessel made of ceramic or unglazed clay with a round base and low sides. A cone-shaped cover sits on the base, making it the perfect pot for cooking savory stews. Tajines typically include sliced meat, poultry or fish together with vegetables or fruit. Because this type of meal featuring rice, meat, vegetables and a vast array of spices is simmered in a broth in this type of pot, it is also referred to as a “tajine” (or tagine).
Love exploring flavors from around the world? Try these Cuban Shrimp & Rice Tacos, this Spanish-inspired Tortilla Española with Brown Rice, and this French Herb Tomato Soup with Quinoa to send your taste buds on an international tour!
