Sloppy Bombay Joes

This isn't your ordinary sloppy joe. Truthfully, I'm not sure what is because I've never made them before. The last time I had a sloppy joe I was a kid and I'm sure it came from a can. This, on the other hand, is a fresh, exotic take on a truly American dish. (If you Wikipedia 'sloppy joe' you'll find an entertaining list of what people call them in different regions of the country. Ever heard of a slushburger? Or how about a Yum Yum?)

Several reasons this recipe caught my attention: 600+ 5-star reviews (unheard of, even for a Food Network recipe), the use of ground turkey in place of beef (healthier), and the Indian twist. The tomato sauce is spiced with ginger, garlic, paprika, and garam masala. And the turkey is simmered with cumin, raisins, and pistachios. Pretty fresh cilantro fishes it off. A little unusual? Sure. Still sloppy? Yes, very. And absolutely delicious.

Sloppy Bombay Joes

INGREDIENTS
Sauce:
1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 Tbsp. fresh ginger, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 serrano chile, seeded and minced (reserve the other half for the turkey below)
1 tsp. garam masala
1/2 tsp. paprika
1 15-oz. can tomato sauce
1 cup water

Turkey:
1/4 cup shelled unsalted pistachios
1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp. cumin seeds (or 3/4 tsp. ground cumin)
1/2 large white onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, seeds and membranes removed and diced
1/2 serrano chile, seeds intact
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 lb. ground turkey (I used ground turkey thigh)
1/2 tsp. honey
1/4 cup raisins
fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
light brioche or whole wheat hamburger buns, for serving

DIRECTIONS
1. To make the sauce, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ginger, garlic, and serrano and saute until slightly browned. Add the garam masala and paprika and saute for 30 seconds. Stir in the tomato sauce and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes, or until thickened.

2. Meanwhile, toast pistachios in a large dry skillet over medium-low heat until fragrant. Set the pistachios aside. Add the olive oil to the pan and turn to medium heat. Stir in the cumin and cook for a few seconds. Stir in the onions, bell pepper, and serrano and saute until softened and starting to brown. Stir in the turkey, breaking it into chunks, and cook for 5 minutes, until opaque.

3. Now the sauce should be ready. Add the sauce to the skillet with the turkey. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to boil, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for about 10 minutes until thickened slightly.

4. Remove the serrano pepper. Stir in the honey, pistachios, and raisins. Adjust seasonings to taste. Serve on whole wheat hamburgers buns and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Serves 4-6.

(Adapted from Food Network)