Guyanese Turkey Cook-up Rice (The Caribbean Jambalaya)

Apr 8, 2021All Recipes

A delectable one pot dish that embodies the multicultural exotic flavours of Guyanese cooking. It is reminiscent of a Caribbean Jambalaya…Delish!

Yields 6-8 Servings

Green Seasoning Marinade

Ingredients

1/4 bunch chives

1 tbsp (15 mL) chopped Italian parsley leaves

1 tsp (5 mL) fresh thyme leaves

1/4 bunch fresh culantro (shado beni)

2 cloves garlic, smashed

1/3 cup (80 mL) white wine vinegar

1/2 cup (125 mL) extra virgin olive oil

Pinch of salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

In the bowl of a food processor, combine all ingredients and puree.

Guyanese Turkey Cook-up Rice

1 ½ lbs (680 g) turkey breast strips or thighs, cubed

¼ cup (60 mL) red wine vinegar

2 tbsp (30 mL) Island Gurl’s Seasoned Salt, divided

¼ cup (60 mL) cassareep (Guyanesse cassava sauce), divided

1 cup (250 mL) green seasoning marinade

½ cup (125 mL) vegetable oil, divided

½ onion, diced

1 celery stalk, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

4 cloves of garlic, minced

1 tsp (5 mL) minced ginger

2 cups (500 mL) cubed butternut squash

6 okras (lady fingers) sliced lengthwise

1 carrot, diced (optional)

3 cups (750 mL) jasmine or long grain white rice, rinsed

1 tbsp (15 mL) Chinese Five Spice Seasoning

4 springs fresh thyme leaves, picked

2 cups (500 mL) canned bean medley, rinsed

1 can coconut milk or cream

½ bunch green onions, diced

1 tbsp (15 mL) basil leaves, chiffonade (ribbons)

1 Scotch Bonnet Pepper whole (optional)

Directions

Place the turkey in a large bowl, add the vinegar, half of the seasoned salt, green seasoning marinade and half of the cassareep. Mix well, cover with plastic wrap, place in refrigerator to marinate for an hour or overnight.

Preheat a 7-quart (7L) Dutch oven or wide-bottomed pot with ½ of the oil over medium high heat. Sear the turkey in batches until golden on both sides but not cooked through completely. Set aside on a plate.

Reduce heat to medium, add onion, celery, and red pepper. Cook for 3 minutes. Add garlic and ginger and cook until fragrant for 1 minute.

Add squash, okras, carrots and cook 5 minutes. Add rice and cook while stirring for 5 minutes. Stir in Chinese Five Spice, thyme, bean medley and remaining cassareep.

Add hot water to cover over rice by 1-inch (2.5 cm), coconut milk, green onions, and basil. Return the turkey to the pot, add Scotch Bonnet Pepper (optional) and cover with a lid. Reduce heat to low and let cook for approximately 15-25 minutes or until rice is done. Fluff with a fork and serve at once.

Source: Chef Raquel Fox (islandgurlfoods.com)

More Recipes from Island Gurl Foods

Blackened Rainbow Trout with Strawberry Salsa

Get your pan sizzling hot for this sweet rainbow trout spicy makeover. Paired with a sweet, tart and crunchy Strawberry Salsa, for a go-to fast weekday meal. Leftover salsa would be delicious tossed with greens or spooned over...

Tropical Mango Cheesecake

Mango is hands-down my favourite fruit. With nuances of orange, peach and melon, it’s like no other fruit. Ripe Kent, Palmer or any other type of non-fibrous mangoes are preferred for this bright and citrusy cheesecake. Serves 8 INGREDIENTS Crust 4 cups (1 L) honey...

MAD MAC & CHEESE PLEASE!!!!!

Mad Mac & CheeseBahamian mac and cheese (aka macaroni) is the most rich,luscious and cheesy baked dish. Every family takes pride in theirrecipe. However, my girlfriend, Maddie, makes the most illustriousmacaroni in the Bahamas. I’ve added a few ingredients to put...

Pigeon Peas & Dumpling Soup!!!

No better way to shake the winter blues than diving into a bowl of this luscious, protein rich soup filled with yummy dumplings! Follow me as I guide you step by step, and instruct you on how to make this wonderful recipe from my childhood. Watch my video...

Upside-Down Mini Apple Cakes

With a regular muffin pan, it’s easy to make small individual desserts that are so popular in restaurants. Chopped hothouse rhubarb can be substituted for the sliced apples.  Preparation Time: 15 minutes  Baking Time: 15 to 20 minutes  Makes 12  2 tbsp (25...

Berry and Bacon Grilled Cheese

Who can resist a grilled cheese sandwich with smoked Cheddar and bacon, and topped with thick slices of sweet Ontario berries?  Preparation Time: 10 minutes Grilling Time: 6 minutes Makes 4 half sandwiches  4 slices multi-grain bread 1-1/2 tsp (7 mL) vegetable oil 1...

Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup

Although the cooking and cooling time may seem long, this soup is a cinch to make.  Roasting intensifies the sweet pepper and tomato flavours and creates a wonderful aroma during cooking. It’s delicious served hot, at room temperature or even chilled. Preparation...

Greek Salad Kebabs

Kebabs are a fun, quick and easy way to serve vegetables. Turn them into a meal by adding cooked, cubed Ontario pork or lamb and serve in a pita.  Preparation Time: 15 minutes Standing Time: 15 minutes Serves 4 (Makes 8 kebabs)  3/4 cup (175 mL) plain yogurt 1 clove...

AGUA FRESCA (AKA COOL FRESH DRINKS)

Year round it’s hot in Latin America and what better way to quench your thirst than with these (literally translated) fresh water drinks. In Ontario, we too are blessed with hot sunny summer weather, so instead of using the tropical fruits typically used in these...

MINI QUICHES IN PROSCIUTTO CUPS

Here’s a quick and easy appetizer.   Preparation Time:  15 minutes Baking Time:  10 to 12 minutes Makes 12 6 slices Ontario Prosciutto, fat trimmed and halved 2 tbsp (25 mL) crumbled Ontario Goat Cheese 1-1/2 tbsp (22 mL) chopped black olives 2 Ontario Eggs...

Primavera Quiche

Celebrate the season with this colourful and tasty combination of spring vegetables seasoned with fresh dill in this Italian-inspired quiche. Egg Mixture 4 eggs ¾ cup 5% light cream or milk ¼ tsp salt & pepper Filling 1 tbsp butter ¾...

Coco Bread Beef Patties

These rich and buttery style patties are Jamaica’s sweet breads, named after its key  ingredient coconut milk. It’s a great alternative sandwich bread and perfect as a patty stuffed with savoury beef. Makes 6 Servings ½ cup (125 mL) warm coconut cream 1 cup (250...

Trout & Beans Trash Can Nachos

Trout & Beans Trash Can Nachos Serve these next level nachos whenever you’re entertaining for an impressive and tasty display. Yields: 6 servings Refried White Beans 2 Tbsp olive oil ¼ piece onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, diced 2 cups Ontario canned cannellini...

STRAWBERRY MINT DAIQUIRI

For ultimate flavour, use fresh, ripe, juicy Ontario Strawberries. Why not freeze some Ontario Strawberries to enjoy these daiquiris all year round? Preparation Time: 5 minutes Makes about 5-1/2 cups (1.375 L) 2-1/2 cups (625 mL) Ontario Strawberries 12 fresh Ontario...