Nana’s Turkey, Peas and Rice

When my mom came to visit us last summer, she made us a dish she called “Turkey, Peas, and Rice.” Everyone raved about it and wanted her to make it again and again before she went back to Miami. She didn’t use a recipe (she never really uses recipes). She just puts a little of this and a little of that (I wonder where I get it from?). She has a unique gift of throwing things together and it comes out perfectly every time (Wow Mom!). While I can’t add the secret ingredient ♥ that she always adds to her dishes, I tried my best to recreate what has become a favorite at our house 🙂

My kids always request Nana’s Turkey, Peas, and Rice for their birthday week. Since this week is my 8-year old’s birthday week, I thought I would come up with a measured out tried and true version of my mom’s “this and that” recipe. She uses Adobo  seasoning, so I came up with a homemade Adobo seasoning for this dish.

What I like most about this dish is that it cooks up easily in one pot. It has a blend of different flavors and spices that cook up into a savory delight. This dish includes ground turkey, green peas, and a blend of tomato, garlic, celery and onions.

Did you know that green peas are little powerhouses? I always avoided eating green peas because I thought they were so starchy and lacked nutrients. But after doing some research, I plan to add these little bites of goodness to our vegetable menu more often. They are great for weight management and stomach cancer prevention. They also promote a strong immune system, promote high energy, are good for blood sugar regulation and so much more (Learn more here).

I like to cook up a double batch of this recipe and freeze some for later. We love this dish! Thanks Nana! From our family to yours…enJOY!

Nana’s Turkey, Peas, and Rice (Printable Version)
6 servings, 30 minutes

Ingredients:
1 lb ground turkey
1 1/2 cup green peas
1 stalk of celery, chopped
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves of garlic, minced
3 1/4 tsp Adobo seasoning (see below)
1 Tbsp tomatoe paste
3/4 cup of water
1 Tbsp oil
Cooked rice

Steps:

1. In a large pot (I use a Dutch oven), heat oil on medium heat.
   Add onions and cook for 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and celery and cook and additional 3 minutes or until tender.
2. Add ground meat and Adobo seasoning. Cook and break into pieces until no longer pink.
3. Add tomato paste and water. Stir until incorporated.
4. Add green peas and simmer on medium heat covered for 10-15 minutes or until peas are tender.
5. Serve over cooked rice.
6. enJOY!

Adobo seasoning:
1/4 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp tumeric
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic
1 1/4 tsp salt