Coconut Milk Wat with Ground Turkey and Lentils

A rich and warming Ethiopian-inspired stew featuring tender ground turkey, earthy lentils, and vibrant spices in a creamy coconut milk base, served over fluffy white rice. This dairy-free and soy-free dish offers bold, complex flavors perfect for a cold late winter evening.
- Prep: 20 min
- Cook: 45 min
- Total: 1 hr 5 min
- Servings: 2
- Cuisine: African
- Difficulty: Medium
- Cost: $6.83/serving
Dietary
- Dairy-Free
- Soy-Free
- Nut-Free
- Egg-Free
- High-Fiber
- High-Protein
- Gluten-Free
Tags
- stir-fry
- one-pot
- healthy
- comfort food
- spicy
- savory
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion (diced)
- 2 clove garlic clove (minced)
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 0.5 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper (ground)
- 1 can lentils (rinsed and drained)
- 1 can full-fat coconut milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 0.5 cup white basmati rice
- 1 cup water
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the 1 diced yellow onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the 1 pound ground turkey to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until aromatic.
- Add the 1 can rinsed and drained lentils, 1 can full-fat coconut milk, and 1 cup chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- While the Wat simmers, prepare the rice. Combine the 1/2 cup white basmati rice, 1 cup water, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until all water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
- Taste the Wat and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot over the prepared white basmati rice.
Notes
Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 612
- Protein: 52.8 g
- Carbohydrates: 49.3 g
- Fat: 25.1 g
- Fiber: 12.8 g
- Sodium: 765 mg
- Saturated Fat: 15.6 g
- Sugar: 5.9 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg