Description
This flavorful Turkey Combo Rice recipe combines ground turkey with aromatic spices, tomato, and mixed vegetables, cooked together with long grain rice for a hearty and comforting one-pot meal perfect for a quick family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups long grain rice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (carrots and peas)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain well and set aside to remove excess starch and ensure fluffy cooked rice.
- Sauté onions: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook turkey: Add the ground turkey to the pot and cook while breaking it apart with a spoon until browned and fully cooked, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Season the mixture: Season the turkey with salt, black pepper, paprika, dried thyme, and oregano. Stir well to coat the meat evenly with the spices for balanced flavor.
- Add tomato components: Mix in the tomato paste and diced tomatoes, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes to develop the sauce’s depth and richness.
- Add the rice: Stir the rinsed rice into the pot, coating the grains with the seasoned turkey mixture evenly.
- Pour broth and boil: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer the rice: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Add vegetables: In the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the mixed vegetables (carrots and peas) to cook through without becoming mushy.
- Rest the rice: Remove the pot from heat and let the rice rest, still covered, for 5 minutes to allow steam to finish cooking the rice evenly.
- Serve: Fluff the rice with a fork, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top, and serve warm for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- Rinsing the rice before cooking prevents it from becoming sticky and ensures fluffy grains.
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef as preferred.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a bay leaf during simmering, then remove before serving.
- Adjust salt and spices to taste depending on your preference and sodium restrictions.
- This dish pairs well with a side of steamed greens or a simple salad.
