Spicy Turkey Boats (paleo)

 We met some friends down at Waikiki a few weeks ago to share a dinner picnic and watch the Friday night fireworks, and these yummy, easy-to-pack turkey boats were my contribution to the spread.  I gathered up ingredients from my fridge and spice cabinet that I thought would go well together, and I have to say that the mix I came up with turned out to be one of my favorite things I've ever made. Bold statement, but it's true!  The citrusy notes of the lemon and coriander pairs nicely with the smokey cumin and bacon, and the ground turkey and kale provides a nutrient dense, mild background that really lets all of the flavors shine.  A final touch of spicy sweet sriracha gives just the right amount of kick, and the whole thing is so tasty that I could eat this for days. We spooned generous portions onto crisp romaine "boats" for a high protein, low carb starter, but it would be equally delicious paired with roasted root vegetables, your favorite gluten free grain, or on top of a salad of leafy greens and chopped crunchy veggies.

INGREDIENTS 

3 tbsp EVOO

1 pound organic ground turkey

1/2 large onion, diced

5 large cloves garlic

1.5 tsp coriander

1 tsp cumin

Zest of one lemon

1.5 tsp Himalayan salt

4 strips bacon cooked crisp then finely chopped

1 tbsp sriracha

Juice of 1.5 lemons (or 1 if it's very juicy)

4 large stalks of curly green kale, ribs removed and leaves chopped small

1/2 cup chopped cilantro

Romaine heart leaves, washed and dried

DIRECTIONS 

In a Dutch oven or large skillet, brown the onions in the olive oil over medium heat, stirring frequently.  Add the turkey and garlic and cook until the turkey is no longer pink, breaking the meat up with a wooden spoon so that it crumbles. Add in the coriander, cumin, salt, lemon zest, bacon, and kale, and cook until the kale has completely wilted.  Turn off the heat and stir in the Sriracha, lemon juice and cilantro.  Check for seasoning and add more salt, lemon juice, or Sriracha if needed.  Let the mixture cool a bit before spooning it onto the lettuce boats. Enjoy!