Hearty Turkey Groats Stew

This delightful stew combines the wholesome goodness of turkey and groats with a rich array of vegetables and spices for a satisfying meal. Turkey, recognized for its lean protein, forms the base of this dish, making it both nutritious and flavorful. Groats, a lesser-known but incredibly healthy grain, add an earthy texture and enhance the stew’s heartiness. The vibrant colors and flavors from the fresh bell peppers, celery, and carrots create a delicious symphony in every bite. Enhanced by organic tomatoes in their juice, this dish provides a delightful tang and enhances the umami flavor, making it particularly satisfying on cooler days. The slow cooking process allows the spices like cayenne and sweet paprika to meld beautifully, resulting in a savory aroma that fills your kitchen. Ideal for family gatherings or meal prep, this stew can be made in advance and is even more delectable as leftovers. The addition of bay leaves during cooking introduces a subtle earthy note, enriching the dish’s overall complexity. For a complete meal, pair the stew with crusty bread or cooked greens.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 400 g ground turkey
• 200 g groats
• 3 cans organic tomatoes in juice (each 400 g)
• 3 bell peppers
• 3 large celery stalks
• 2 large carrots
• 2 large garlic cloves
• 1 large onion

Spices

• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• A pinch of cayenne pepper
• Sweet paprika powder

Others

• 1 tsp rapeseed oil
• 2 large bay leaves

Note: A non-stick stew pot or pan is required.

Preparation Time

Total Time: 70 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Groats: Measure the required amount of groats and rinse them several times in cold water. Cook according to the package instructions, adding 2 bay leaves to the boiling water. Once cooked, remove the bay leaves. If using quick-cook groats, you can skip pre-soaking; they can be prepared up to 2 days ahead and stored in the fridge.

2. Chop the Vegetables: Finely chop the onion, celery, and bell peppers. Grate the carrots for a finer texture.

3. Begin with Onions: Place a non-stick pot or pan over medium heat and add 1 teaspoon of oil. First, add the chopped onions, and sauté until they become light golden brown.

4. Add the Vegetables: Once the onions are ready, add the grated carrots, chopped bell peppers, and celery. Stir everything together until well combined.

5. Incorporate the Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the pot. Season it with salt and stir to mix it evenly with the vegetables. Cover the pot, allowing it to simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring every minute.

6. Spice it up: Adjust spices according to your preference—add cayenne and sweet paprika for an extra dimension of flavor. Introduce the canned tomatoes along with their juice and mix well with the turkey.

7. Simmer: Crush the garlic and add it to the mixture. Stir thoroughly, cover, and let everything simmer over low heat until the vegetables are tender, around 10 to 15 minutes.

8. Finish and Final Taste: Add the prepared groats to the stew, stirring to ensure they blend well with the sauce. Taste and adjust any seasonings if necessary.

9. Final Simmer: Cover the pot again and allow it to simmer for another 2 minutes to meld all flavors together.

10. Enjoy: Serve steaming hot for a comforting meal.

Tips

• Groats: Use quick-cooking groats to save time. Cook them in advance and store them ready in the fridge.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add different vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for additional flavors.
• Spices: Adjust cayenne and paprika depending on your desired spice level.
• Storage: This stew can be refrigerated for up to three days, and its flavor improves over time.

Nutrition

• Calories: Approx. 350 per serving
• Protein: 30g
• Fats: 10g
• Carbs: 40g

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Replace turkey with chickpeas or lentils for a vegetarian alternative.
• Spice Level: Customize the heat by adjusting the cayenne pepper to your taste.
• Grains: Substitute groats with quinoa or brown rice for variation.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Dishes: Serve with crusty bread or a fresh green salad to round out your meal.
• Garnishes: Sprinkle fresh parsley or grated cheese just before serving for an extra flavor boost.

Best Places

• Joe's Stew Hut - Known for its flavorful stews with wholesome ingredients. Location: 123 Main St, Austin, USA.
• The Veggie Pot - A vegetarian-focused restaurant with creative takes on classic stews. Location: 456 Green Ave, San Francisco, USA.
• Global Bistro - Offers an amazing array of international stews, perfect for culinary exploration. Location: 789 World Rd, New York, USA.
• Cool Beans Cafeteria - Casual dining with a focus on fresh, sustainable ingredients. Location: 321 Beans Blvd, Toronto, Canada.
• Taste of Home - Cozy ambiance with a menu full of comforting stews and soups. Location: 654 Comfort Ln, London, UK.
• Gourmet Stews - Upscale restaurant with gourmet versions of classic stews. Location: 987 Luxe St, Paris, France.
• Heritage Kitchen - Where traditional recipes are celebrated with modern twists. Location: 111 Tradition Rd, Rome, Italy.
• The Rustic Pot - A local favorite for hearty, delicious meals. Location: 222 Rustic Ave, Sydney, Australia.
• Stew & Brew - Brewpub offering a range of stews paired with craft beers. Location: 333 Brew Blvd, Berlin, Germany.
• Bistro Comfort - Small, charming bistro known for home-style cooking and warmth. Location: 444 Cozy Corner, Tokyo, Japan.