Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper into fine pieces. Dice the tomato and set it aside. If you haven’t already, pit and chop the olives.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes or until they are softened and fragrant. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Use your wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Season with kosher salt and ground cumin. Cook until the turkey is browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Once the turkey is cooked, stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomato, olives, bay leaves, and the brine from the olives. Mix everything well to ensure the flavors meld together.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to deepen and the sauce to thicken. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking.
After simmering, remove the bay leaves. If desired, sprinkle with fresh cilantro before serving. Your Turkey Picadillo is now ready to be enjoyed!
