Golden Turmeric Turkey and Lentil Curry

A vibrant and comforting curry featuring lean ground turkey and hearty brown lentils, simmered in a rich coconut milk and tomato base, brightened with turmeric and aromatic spices, served alongside fluffy basmati rice.
- Prep: 10 min
- Cook: 20 min
- Total: 30 min
- Servings: 2
- Cuisine: Indian
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: $5.95/serving
Dietary
- Gluten-Free
- Nut-Free
- Egg-Free
- High-Protein
Tags
- quick
- healthy
- comfort food
- savory
Ingredients
- 0.5 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon gluten-free curry powder
- 0.5 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 0.25 cup tomato paste
- 1 can (13.5 fluid ounces) light coconut milk
- 0.75 cup cooked brown lentils (canned, drained and rinsed)
- 0.25 cup gluten-free chicken broth
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.75 cup uncooked basmati rice
- 1.5 cups water (for rice)
Instructions
- First, prepare the basmati rice: Combine 3/4 cup uncooked basmati rice, 1 1/2 cups water, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until all water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- While the rice cooks, begin the curry: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 pound ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add 0.5 yellow onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in 2 cloves garlic and 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon gluten-free curry powder, 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until aromatic.
- Stir in 1/4 cup tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in 13 1/2 fluid ounces light coconut milk and 1/4 cup gluten-free chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add 3/4 cup cooked brown lentils. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Stir in 1 cup fresh spinach until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Season the curry with 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to taste.
- Serve the Golden Turmeric Turkey and Lentil Curry hot over the prepared basmati rice.
Notes
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat well. For added freshness, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro if desired.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 678
- Protein: 36.6 g
- Carbohydrates: 71.3 g
- Fat: 26.4 g
- Fiber: 7.4 g
- Sodium: 660 mg
- Saturated Fat: 14.1 g
- Sugar: 5.8 g
- Cholesterol: 128 mg