Jamaican Callaloo with Ground Turkey - Traditional Caribbean Greens
A hearty Caribbean dish featuring tender callaloo greens sautéed with seasoned ground turkey, aromatic herbs, and warming spices. This traditional Jamaican comfort food combines the earthy flavors of callaloo with perfectly browned turkey, garlic, thyme, and a hint of scotch bonnet heat. The dish finishes with fresh tomatoes and bright lemon juice, creating a balanced meal that's both nourishing and deeply satisfying. Perfect for family dinners or when craving authentic Caribbean flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ⅓ teaspoon ground allspice
- 2 clove garlic
- 1 onion
- ¼ scotch bonnet pepperhabanero pepper1:1hot-pepper
similar heat level
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
- 4 sprig fresh thyme
- Jamaican callaloospinach1:1leafy-greens
milder flavor
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 6 grape tomatoes
- ½ lemon
Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium high heat and add ground turkey, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until browned
- 2
Season with black pepper and allspice, then add garlic, onion, scotch bonnet pepper, parsley, and thyme, stirring everything together
- 3
Add callaloo and season with salt, folding ingredients together to combine well and cover with lid for a few minutes
- 4
Taste and adjust seasoning, cover again and cook for 20 minutes or until soft
- 5
Add grape tomatoes and lemon, mix well and serve
Tips
Remove seeds from scotch bonnet pepper for less heat, or use more for authentic Caribbean spice level
Fresh callaloo can be substituted with spinach or collard greens if unavailable in your area
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld together
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days in airtight container
Can be prepared 1 day ahead and reheated gently
Serve hot with rice, roti, or Jamaican hard dough bread
Common Mistakes
Don't overcook callaloo to avoid mushy texture
Remove scotch bonnet seeds to prevent overwhelming heat
Substitutions
similar heat level
FAQ
Can I use frozen callaloo instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen callaloo works well. Thaw and drain excess water before adding to prevent a watery dish.
How spicy is this dish with scotch bonnet pepper?
Quarter scotch bonnet provides moderate heat. Remove seeds for milder flavor or increase amount for more spice.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, omit turkey and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for substance and flavor.