Today, I want to share one of my new favourite recipes. I mentioned it in my July 2021 post as one of my greatest discoveries of the month. Aromatic and full of flavour, this Thai basil ketjap manis turkey is extremely versatile and will perfectly work as the meat protein source on your lunch/dinner plate, accompanied by a source of complex carbs (think rice or pasta) and some steamed veggies (I recommend tenderstem broccoli). It can also be used in stir fry, wraps, or even as a sandwich filler!

Ingredients:

• 25 ml ketjap manis
• thumb size ginger piece
• 1/2 medium red onion
• 3 large garlic cloves
• 500g lean turkey mince
• bunch of Thai basil
• salt
• pepper
• chilli powder
• chilli flakes
• ground cumin
• Chinese 5 spice

Ketjap manis. Don’t worry if it sounds foreign to you – I hadn’t learnt about it until very recently either. Ketjap manis is sweetened soy sauce, dark, with thick consistency. If you can find it in your supermarket, I definitely recommend getting a bottle – it goes so well with meat in Asian style dishes. In case you can’t find it in your local shops, you can easily make your own. Combine equal parts of soy sauce and brown or palm sugar in a small pot, and boil them – stirring constantly – until the sauce thickens into a syrup-like consistency.

Ginger, like many other popular Asian spices, has a very long history of use in various forms of traditional and alternative medicine. It is known to have powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Ginger appears to be highly effective against nausea, may help with weight loss and indigestion. It’s also believed to lower blood sugar levels and prevent heart disease.

Onions are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. They’ve been linked to reducing risk of cancer, lowering blood sugar levels and improving bone health. Onions are rich in healthy soluble fibres called fructans – prebiotic fibres, which feed the good bacteria in your gut. Onions are a source of vitamin C, folate (vitamin B9), vitamin B6 and potassium.

Garlic is a plant in the onion family, and just like onions, it has multiple proven health benefits. Even in the ancient history garlic was predominantly used for its medicinal properties, and that use was documented in civilisations including the Greeks, Romans and Chinese. Garlic is a good source of manganese, vitamin B6, vitamin C, selenium and fibre. Garlic is also believed to boost your immune system.

Lean turkey is one of the best sources of lean protein and a good alternative to chicken, commonly eaten as a staple in low calorie, healthy diets. Protein-rich foods are important for muscle maintenance and growth. High-protein meals make you feel full and satiated for longer. Turkey meat is a great source of B-group vitamins, as well as selenium, zinc and phosphorus.

Thai basil is a type of basil native to Southeast Asia. It’s flavour – slightly spicy, with a hint of anise and liquorice – is much different to the common basil. If you can, do make the effort and scan your local shops in search for Thai basil for this recipe! And if you can’t find it anywhere, replace it with regular basil instead.

Dice the onion and press the garlic. Sauté both in a dash of vegetable oil on a non stick pan until softened.

Grate the ginger and add it to the pan with onion and garlic. Add turkey mince too.

Fry everything for a few minutes, breaking up any larger lumps of meat. Add ketjap manis and a handful of chopped up Thai basil.

Season to taste with salt, pepper, chilli powder, chilli flakes, ground cumin and a dash of Chinese 5 spice. Stir, to evenly distribute the spices. Cook for another few minutes.

Enjoy!

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