SMTO Recipe: Indian Sloppy Joes

Okay, please hear me out. This is not traditional Indian food by any means. Heck, we don’t even serve it on a bun. But Indian Sloppy Joes is the best name I could come up with for this hands-down family favorite. I have made it for friends and family time and time again, and everyone goes back for more. It is a little unexpected and oh, so comforting.  

Indian Sloppy Joes

Ingredients:

Sauce:

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1/2 tablespoon ginger paste

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 serrano chili, seeded and finely minced (keep the other half intact for the meat)

1 teaspoon garam masala

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce

Meat Mixture:

3 to 4 tablespoons vegetable oil

1/4 cup shelled pistachios

1/4 cup golden raisins

11/2 teaspoons cumin powder

1/2 large white onion, finely diced

1 red bell pepper, seeded and finely diced

1/2 serrano chili, whole

1 tsp salt

1 pound ground turkey or ground chicken

1/2 teaspoon honey

1/4 cup heavy cream  

Chopped fresh cilantro  

Directions:

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm the oil until it shimmers. Add the ginger paste, garlic and minced serrano, and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant and lightly golden. Stir in the garam masala and paprika, then add the tomato sauce and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and let it simmer while you prepare the meat.

2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the pistachios and raisins and cook until the raisins swell and the pistachios are lightly toasted. Remove from heat and set aside.  

3. Add another tablespoon or two of oil to the skillet. Add the onion and red bell pepper and cook until softened and lightly browned. Stir in the whole serrano and cook a few minutes more. Season with salt and cumin. Add the ground turkey or chicken and cook until done, breaking it up as it cooks.

4. Pour the sauce into the meat mixture and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until it is slightly thickened. Remove the serrano. Stir in the honey, heavy cream, pistachios and raisins. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and serve over warmed naan or basmati rice.

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