Pinchos de Pavo con Achiote y Maduros (Annatto Turkey with Sweet Plantain Kabobs)

in Main Entrees

When I think of grilled meats I immediately think of pinchos! The star ingredients in these pinchos are the annatto spice and sweet plantains. The annatto gives the turkey a wonderful reddish color and earthy flavor, and the sweet plantain gives the dish just the right amount of sweetness.

Pinchos de Pavo con Achiote y Maduros (Annatto Turkey with Sweet Plantain Kabobs)

Pinchos de Pavo con Achiote y Maduros (Annatto Turkey with Sweet Plantain Kabobs)

Recipe by Suellen PinedaCourse: DinnerCuisine: LatinDifficulty: Medium
Servings

6

servings
Prep timeminutes
Cooking time

15

minutes

Ingredients

  • 3 TURKEY TENDERLOINS CUT INTO 1-INCH PIECES

  • 2½ TABLESPOONS OLIVE OIL (AND AN ADDITIONAL TEASPOON OF OIL TO COOK RICE)

  • 1 TABLESPOON GROUND ANNATTO

  • 1 TEASPOON DRIED OREGANO

  • 3 GARLIC CLOVES MINCED

  • 1 SMALL LIME JUICED

  • 1 SMALL RED ONION PEELED AND CUT IN WIDE WEDGES

  • 3 RIPE PLANTAINS PEELED AND CUT IN 1-INCH SLICES (TRANSVERSALLY)

  • 2 CUPS UNCOOKED LONG-GRAIN RICE

  • 3½ CUPS WATER

  • 1/2 SMALL BUNCH OF FRESH CILANTRO WASHED

  • SALT AND PEPPER TO TASTE

Directions

  • In a medium bowl, combine turkey chunks, oil, annatto, oregano, garlic, lime juice, salt and pepper. Mix well until turkey is fully coated. Cover with plastic and reserve.
  • Place cilantro in a blender; add water and blend on high. Reserve.
  • In a medium saucepan, heat 1 teaspoon of oil over medium-high heat, add the rice, stir with a wooden spoon for about 2 minutes. Add cilantro blend. Cook uncovered until water has evaporated. (Small tunnels should be visible on the surface). Lower the heat, cover and simmer for about 20 minutes.
  • Heat the grill to high.
  • Using 6 large kabob wooden sticks, assemble the kabobs. Thread a piece of onion, followed by a piece of turkey, followed by a piece of plantain. Repeat until just 1/3 of kabob stick is visible.
  • Lower the heat of the grill to medium. Lightly grease the grill grates. Place kabobs on the grill and cook for about 8 minutes. Turn and cook for an additional 6 minutes. Remove from heat and let it rest loosely cover with foil for about 3-5 minutes before serving. Serve kabobs over a bed of cilantro rice.