
Smoked Turkey in West African Melon Seed Gravy
Smoked Turkey in West African Melon Seed Gravy · ready in 55 min · 4 servings · 420 kcal per serving · medium · 7 ingredients
Tender smoked turkey slowly simmered in a rich, nutty melon seed gravy with tomato, onion, and garlic, creating a deeply savory West African stew with warming smoke and creamy texture.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 40 min
- Total
- 55 min
- Serves
- 4
- kcal
- 420
- Difficulty
- medium
Ingredients · 4 servings
- 30 gOil
- 1Small onion, chopped
- 2 cloveGarlic, crushed
- 1Smoked turkey thigh
- ½ cupMelon seeds, pumpkin seeds may be substituted
- 1 ½ cupWater
- ½Tomato puree
Equipment
blender, stovetop, chef knife, cutting board, ladle, large pot, measuring cup, wooden spoon
Instructions
- Blend melon seeds
Gather all ingredients and equipment. Add the melon seeds and 1 cup of the water to a blender, then blend until milky and completely smooth. · 3 min
What to look for: liquid looks pale and creamy
- Sauté aromatics
Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and crushed garlic, and cook until soft and translucent. · 5 min
What to look for: onions look glossy and fragrant
- Prepare turkey
Cut the smoked turkey thigh into large chunks, keeping the bone pieces with the meat for added flavor. · 5 min
What to look for: even chunks
- Combine ingredients
Add the turkey pieces to the pot. Pour in the blended melon seed mixture, rinse the blender with the remaining water and add it, then stir in the tomato puree. · 5 min
What to look for: sauce turns thick and beige
- Simmer and serve
Reduce to a gentle simmer and cook until the turkey is tender and the gravy thickens, then ladle into bowls and serve hot. · 30 min
When it is done: Turkey is tender and reaches a safe internal temperature of 74°C
Nutrition (per serving)
| kcal | 420 |
|---|---|
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbohydrates | 14 g |
| of which sugars | 5 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| of which saturated | 6 g |
| Fibre | 4 g |
| Sodium | 980 mg |
Nutri-ScoreC
Allergens
Contains: tree nuts
May contain: corn, soybeans
Storage and reheating
- Fridge: up to 3 days
- Freezer: yes, up to 2 months
Ingredient substitutions
Oil
- palm oil: Traditional option that adds authentic flavor and color.
Small onion
- shallot: Slightly sweeter and milder flavor.
Garlic
- ginger: Adds warmth and spice instead of pungent garlic.
Smoked turkey thigh
- smoked chicken leg: Shorten simmer time slightly to prevent overcooking.
Melon seeds
- pumpkin seeds: Common substitute with similar thickening ability.
Tomato puree
- fresh blended tomato: Simmer longer to reduce excess water.







