Spiced Turkey Rice Bowls with Turmeric, White Sauce and Warm Pitas

Craving the bold, layered flavors of your favorite street cart but want to stay in? These spiced turkey rice bowls deliver all the satisfaction without the wait. Turmeric-infused rice gets a buttery golden hue and nutty crunch from sliced almonds, while shawarma-spiced ground turkey simmers in a savory sauce. Cool cucumber, a tangy white sauce and a kick of hot sauce balance every bite.

Warm pita wedges are perfect for scooping up the rice, turkey and sauces-so you can customize each mouthful. This quick dinner comes together in under 30 minutes and is sure to become a weeknight favorite.

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Ingredients

1 teaspoon TurmericView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.5 cup Jasmine RiceView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit LemonView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 unit ScallionsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit CucumberView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

3 tablespoon Sour CreamView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoon MayonnaiseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon Garlic PowderView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

10 ounce Ground TurkeyView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon Shawarma Spice BlendView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

3 unit Chicken Stock ConcentrateView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.5 ounce Sliced AlmondsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 unit Whole Wheat PitasView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 teaspoon Hot SauceView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon Cooking OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

3 tablespoon ButterView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a small pot over medium heat. Stir in ¼ teaspoon turmeric until combined. Add rice, ¾ cup water and a big pinch of salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer until rice is tender, 15-18 minutes. Keep covered off heat until ready to use.
2. Meanwhile, bring 2 tablespoons butter to room temperature. Quarter the lemon. Trim and thinly slice scallions, separating whites from greens. Trim and finely dice half the cucumber (use all for 4 servings).
3. In a small bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder and a squeeze of lemon juice. Add water 1 teaspoon at a time until the sauce reaches a drizzling consistency. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Heat a drizzle of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add scallion whites and cook until fragrant, 30-60 seconds. Add ground turkey, Shawarma Spice Blend, ½ teaspoon salt and pepper. Cook, breaking up meat, until browned and cooked through, 4-6 minutes. Stir in stock concentrates and ¼ cup water. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until slightly thickened, 1-2 minutes.
5. Fluff rice with a fork; stir in almonds and half the scallion greens. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toast pitas, then spread with softened butter. Cut each pita into four wedges.
6. Divide rice between bowls. Top with turkey and diced cucumber in separate sections; sprinkle cucumber with a pinch of salt. Drizzle turkey with hot sauce to taste. Drizzle white sauce over bowls; garnish with remaining scallion greens. Serve with pitas and remaining lemon wedges on the side.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use a different protein instead of ground turkey?

Yes, ground chicken or lamb would work well. Adjust cooking time as needed to ensure it’s fully cooked.

What can I substitute for the white sauce?

You can use plain Greek yogurt mixed with garlic and lemon juice for a similar tangy flavor.

How do I store leftovers?

Store components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat rice and turkey gently and add fresh cucumber and sauces before serving.