Easy, Delicious, and Heart Healthy Turkey Keema (Minced Meat) Curry

Indian Turkey Keema (Minced Meat) Curry with Potatoes, Peas, and Carrots

Recently, I was watching a cooking show on PBS where they were showing the different types of meatballs and the way they are eaten across the globe. It was very interesting from Italian meatball with marinara sauce, Moroccan meatballs in a harissa sauce, to Tex Mex (Mexican) meatballs in a spicy tomato based sauce which reminded me of Indian Kofta curry, Indian spiced meatballs in a spicy tomato cream sauce. I started thinking of making the kofta curry at home, but of course wanted to make it healthier. So I got low sodium, lean ground turkey meat. But after I came home, I did not have enough time to make the Kofta curry, so I did one of my favorite dishes, Keema curry.

Growing up in India I ate a lot of Keema curry, the spicy flavorful golden curry with a bowl of warm rice, yummy.... We always used ground lamb for the Keema curry, but I wanted to use the leaner white turkey meat for a healthier option. 

Few dishes capture the rich, comforting essence of Indian home cooking like Keema Curry. Traditionally made with minced meat (often lamb or beef), keema is simmered in a flavorful mix of onions, tomatoes, and spices until it transforms into a hearty, aromatic curry. When combined with potatoes, peas, and carrots, it becomes a wholesome one-pot meal, packed with flavor, and heart healthy spices like turmeric, garlic, ginger, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, and cardamon. 

Check out our healthy spices blog; 

Heart Healthy Spices

This Keema curry is not just a weeknight favorite but also a reflection of India’s culinary versatility. “Keema” means minced meat in Hindi and Urdu, and its origins trace back to Mughlai cuisine. Over centuries, keema has evolved to suit regional tastes; spicy and rich in the north like the one I made, or coconut-based in southern India.

Why You’ll Love This Keema Curry

What makes this version special is the balance between deliciousness and heart healthy. The potatoes soak up the rich curry, the peas and carrots add a sweet freshness, and the minced lean meat provides satisfying protein. It’s filling, flavorful, and pairs beautifully with brown rice, naan, or even a simple chapati (Indian flatbread).

Plus, this recipe freezes well and tastes even better the next day as the spices deepen in flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground turkey

• 2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated

• Whole Spices: cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and bay leaves (whole spices give an extra depth in flavor but you can skip it if you don't have it)

• 2 medium tomatoes, diced

• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots

• 2 tsp ground cumin

• 2 tsp coriander powder

• 1 tsp turmeric

• 1½ tsp garam masala

• 1½ tsp cayenne powder 

• 1 tsp of tomato paste

• 1 tsp of plain yogurt (regular or Greek) 

• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

• 1 cup water 

Cooking Directions

1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the whole spices until fragrant. 

   

2. Add the potatoes and sauté 

   

3. Add the onions and sauté until golden brown. I also threw in a whole chili from my garden for some extra flavor and kick. 

   

4. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant.

5. Add the peas and carrots and cook 

   

6. Add the ground meat, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until it is no longer pink.

   

7. Add all dry spices; cumin, coriander, turmeric, cayenne powder, and garam masala. Stir well to coat the meat evenly.

   

8. Mix in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and yogurt and cook until they soften into a sauce.

   

9. Pour in water, then cover and simmer for 20 minutes.

   

10. The sauce will thicken now and everything is cooked properly and flavors are integrated well. 

    

11. We served it on top of healthy brown rice. 

    

This delicious bowl of homemade Indian Keema Curry is absolutely the best dish in the cool fall weather. The rich blend of spices, tender vegetables, and hearty minced meat make it the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table. Whether you’re exploring Indian flavors for the first time or cooking up a familiar family favorite, this recipe is easy, one pot meal, and full of deliciousness. Pair it with warm whole wheat naan or healthy brown rice and you’ve got a meal that is both delicious and heart healthy. 💕