Kak’ik-Inspired Spiced Turkey Stew with Corn Tortillas

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant Guatemalan turkey stew simmered with aromatic spices and served alongside warm corn tortillas, capturing the essence of traditional Kak’ik. This Latin American-inspired soup recipe, ready in about 50 minutes, pairs ground turkey, diced tomatoes, chicken broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 cup diced onions and sauté for 4 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb ground turkey to the pot and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tsp ancho chili powder, 1 tsp ground coriander, and 1 tsp ground cumin, cooking for 1 minute to toast the spices.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 14 oz canned diced tomatoes with their juices and 3 cups chicken broth. Add 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes until the stew thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves, adjust seasoning to taste, and remove from heat.
  6. Step 6: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side until soft and pliable. Serve the turkey stew hot alongside the tortillas for dipping.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Kak’ik-Inspired Spiced Turkey Stew with Corn Tortillas take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Kak’ik-Inspired Spiced Turkey Stew with Corn Tortillas?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground turkey from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Kak’ik-Inspired Spiced Turkey Stew with Corn Tortillas?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Kak’ik-Inspired Spiced Turkey Stew with Corn Tortillas for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Kak’ik-Inspired Spiced Turkey Stew with Corn Tortillas?

Latin American soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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