Turkey Meatballs with Cranberry Sauce

Turkey Meatballs with Cranberry Sauce

Turkey Meatballs with Cranberry Sauce is a delightful dish that pairs tender, flavorful turkey meatballs with a tangy-sweet cranberry sauce.

This combination offers a modern twist on traditional meatball recipes, blending the lean and juicy qualities of turkey with the vibrant flavors of cranberry.

Perfect for a comforting dinner or as an elegant appetizer, this dish is both nutritious and delicious. The cranberry sauce adds a festive touch, making it ideal for holiday meals or special occasions.

Ingredients:

For the Turkey Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

For the Cranberry Sauce:

• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon water (if needed)

How to Make:

Prepare the Turkey Meatballs: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined, but be careful not to overmix.

Form the Meatballs: Using your hands or a cookie scoop, shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This recipe should make about 20 meatballs.

Cook the Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs to the skillet, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 4-5 minutes. Transfer the browned meatballs to the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are cooked through and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Make the Cranberry Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, prepare the cranberry sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, granulated sugar, orange juice, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of water to reach your desired consistency.

Serve: Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve the turkey meatballs topped with the cranberry sauce, or on a serving platter with the sauce on the side. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.

Chef’s Note: For a touch of extra flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar to the cranberry sauce. You can also serve these meatballs with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad to make a complete meal. If you prefer a spicier sauce, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small chopped jalapeño.

Nutrition Info: (Note: Nutritional values are approximate and based on a serving size of 4 meatballs with 2 tablespoons of cranberry sauce, assuming 4 servings from the recipe.)

• Calories: 320 per serving
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 500mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 35g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 21g
• Protein: 22g

Turkey Meatballs with Cranberry Sauce offers a delicious blend of savory and sweet, making it a standout dish for any occasion. Enjoy this flavorful meal that combines wholesome ingredients with festive flair!

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