Oven-baked turkey meatballs with herbs

Oven-baked turkey meatballs with herbs

Welcome to the delicious world of meatballs! Today, I present to you a savory recipe for oven-baked turkey meatballs, enriched with fresh herb flavors. This dish is perfect for a family meal or a gathering with friends. The meatballs are not only tasty but also healthy, thanks to the ingredients we will use. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 500 g turkey breast
- Leaves from 5-6 green onions
- 4 green garlic stalks
- Half a bunch of parsley
- Half a bunch of dill
- 1 medium potato
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon of flour
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- A little dried basil

A bit of history
Meatballs are a traditional dish in many cultures, often associated with festive meals or moments spent with loved ones. Typically, they are made from pork, beef, chicken, or in our case, turkey. Turkey is not only low in fat but also an excellent source of protein. This recipe combines the meat with fresh herbs to create a dish that is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.

Preparing the meatballs

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by washing all the ingredients. The green onions, green garlic, parsley, and dill should be finely chopped. As for the potato, it should be peeled and grated or cut into small cubes to easily integrate into the meat mixture.

Step 2: Grinding the ingredients
Using a meat grinder, add the turkey breast, green onions, green garlic, parsley, dill, and potato. It is important to achieve a uniform mixture, so you can adjust the consistency to your liking. One option is to use a food processor, which will do all the work for you.

Step 3: The meat mixture
In a large bowl, add the obtained meat mixture, then separate the egg white from the yolk. Whisk the egg white with a pinch of salt to achieve an airy texture. Add this beaten egg white, the yolk, flour, salt, pepper, and basil to the meat mixture. Mix everything well, ensuring that the ingredients combine perfectly.

Step 4: Preparing the oven
Preheat the oven to 180°C. This step is essential to ensure even baking of the meatballs.

Step 5: Shaping the meatballs
Use wet hands to form evenly sized meatballs so they bake uniformly. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, which you can lightly brush with olive oil. This will help achieve a golden and delicious crust.

Step 6: Baking
Place the tray in the oven and let the meatballs bake for about 15 minutes. After this interval, turn the meatballs over and bake for another 15 minutes, or until they become golden and crispy. It is important to watch them in the last minutes of baking to avoid burning.

Serving and suggestions
Oven-baked turkey meatballs with herbs are excellent served with spring vegetables such as asparagus, carrots, or peas, which add a pleasant contrast of textures and flavors. You can also serve them with a yogurt or tzatziki sauce, which will perfectly complement their taste. A fresh salad of tomatoes and cucumbers would also be a wonderful choice.

Practical tips
- If you want to enhance the flavor of the meatballs even more, you can add other spices such as smoked paprika or cumin.
- You can experiment with different types of meat, such as chicken or pork, instead of turkey, but make sure to adjust the baking time, as turkey cooks faster.

Nutritional information
Turkey meatballs are an excellent source of protein, being low in fat due to turkey meat. A serving of meatballs (about 3 meatballs) can contain approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of oil used for baking and the chosen side dishes.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use ground meat from another type of meat?
Yes, you can use chicken, pork, or beef, but the baking time may vary.
2. How can I make the meatballs less fatty?
You can bake the meatballs on a non-stick tray without greasing them with oil, or you can steam them.
3. Can I prepare the meatballs a few days in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, then bake them before serving.

Possible variations
- Add feta or mozzarella cheese inside the meatballs for a delicious surprise in every bite.
- Replace the potato with grated zucchini for a lighter and juicier version.
- You can add spices like coriander or mint for an exotic touch.

I hope this recipe for oven-baked turkey meatballs with herbs brings you joy and becomes a favorite in your kitchen! Don't forget to share the result with your loved ones and enjoy every bite! Enjoy your meal!