Recipe: Sloppy Bombay Joes (using ground turkey, raisins and pistachios)

SLOPPY BOMBAY JOES

FOR THE SAUCE:
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 Serrano chili, seeded, minced, divided use
1 teaspoon garam masala*
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 cup water

FOR THE TURKEY:
3 to 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 cup shelled pistachios
1/4 cup raisins
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/2 large white onion, finely diced
1 red bell pepper, seeded, finely diced
Kosher salt
1 pound ground turkey
1/2 teaspoon honey
1/4 cup half-and-half
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
4 to 6 hamburger buns, toasted (for serving)

TO MAKE SAUCE:
Warm the 2 tablespoons oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the ginger, garlic and half the chili pepper (save remaining for turkey). Saute until the ginger and garlic begin to brown.

Add the garam masala and paprika. Saute 30 seconds.

Stir in the tomato sauce and 1 cup water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until thickened, about 15 minutes.

MEANWHILE, MAKE THE TURKEY:
In a large skillet, warm 2 tablespoons oil. Add the pistachios and raisins. Cook until the raisins swell and the pistachios toast slightly. Using a slotted spoon, transfer pistachios and raisins to a plate.

Return pan to medium heat. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons oil and heat. Add the cumin seeds. Allow them to sizzle about 10 seconds.

Stir in the onions and bell pepper. Saute until they start to brown.

Add the remaining chili pepper. Saute another minute or two. Season with salt.

Add the turkey, breaking into clumps. Cook until opaque, about 5 minutes.

Pour sauce into skillet with turkey. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until mixture thickens slightly, about 10 minutes. Remove chili pepper.

Add the honey, half-and-half and raisins. Heat through. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Stir in cilantro.

Serve on toasted buns.

*Garam masala is a spice mix available at Indian markets, spice stores and some supermarkets.

Makes 4 to 6 servings
Adapted from source: Aarti Sequeria of Aarti Party on the Food Network