Turkey meatballs in the halogen oven

Oven-baked turkey meatballs with halogen – a healthy and delicious choice

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can match meatballs. These delightful little bites are usually associated with frying and, unfortunately, high cholesterol content. However, with the turkey meatball recipe baked in a halogen oven that I will detail below, you will discover that it is possible to enjoy this delicacy without health worries. With turkey meat, which is low in fat and cholesterol, and the cooking method in the halogen oven, you will achieve a healthy, tasty, and easy-to-prepare meal.

Total preparation time: 45-50 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

- 1 kg ground turkey (make sure to choose quality meat from a trusted supplier)
- 6 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin is ideal)
- 1 egg (to bind the mixture)
- Spices:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon seasoning base (or a mix of your choice)
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon marjoram
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon hot paprika (optional, for a touch of spice)
- 1/2 teaspoon curry (for an unusual flavor)
- Dried herbs or a bunch of fresh dill/parley, to taste
- Salt, if needed (be careful, some spices contain salt)

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preparing the mixture
In a large bowl, add the ground turkey. It is important to use fresh meat to achieve juicy and flavorful meatballs. Add the 6 tablespoons of olive oil, the egg, and all the spices. Mix well with a spoon or your hands until the mixture becomes homogeneous. If it seems too soft, feel free to add 1-2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs – this will help bind the ingredients.

2. Forming the meatballs
Wet your hands with water to prevent the mixture from sticking. Form medium-sized meatballs (about 4-5 cm in diameter), ensuring they are well compacted. This step is essential to prevent the meatballs from falling apart during baking.

3. Preparing the halogen oven
Cover the oven rack with aluminum foil, lightly greasing it with olive oil. This trick will help prevent sticking and make cleaning easier later. Place the meatballs on the rack, leaving a little space between them to allow for hot air circulation.

4. Cooking the meatballs
Set the halogen oven to 175 degrees Celsius and program it for 20-25 minutes. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of the meatballs and how browned you prefer them. I advise you to check them at 20 minutes and carefully turn them to brown evenly.

5. Serving
Once the meatballs are ready, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a platter. Garnish with fresh green salad, strips of bell pepper, garlic slices, tomatoes, pickled cucumbers, or radishes, depending on what you have on hand. They are delicious both hot and cold. I served them with sautéed vegetables, but you can experiment with various sides.

Useful tips

- Ingredients: Choose organic turkey meat if possible. Turkey meat is an excellent source of lean protein and contains essential nutrients such as zinc and B vitamins.
- Spices: Feel free to experiment with spices. You can add coriander, cumin, or even a few drops of soy sauce for a richer flavor.
- Variations: You can replace turkey meat with chicken or a mix of pork and beef to achieve different flavors. Also, for a vegetarian version, use cooked chickpeas or lentils and mash them.
- Combinations: These meatballs are perfect alongside a garlic yogurt sauce or a spicy tomato sauce. Also, try them in sandwiches or on appetizer platters.

Nutritional information

A serving of turkey meatballs (about 3 meatballs) contains approximately:
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g

Oven-baked turkey meatballs with halogen are not only a healthy choice but also an excellent way to bring a touch of joy to every meal. Enjoy!