Turkey and Rice Meatballs (Albondigas)
Meat and Poultry Turkey Ground
As these turkey and rice meatballs simmer in the sauce, the rice absorbs moisture, swell ups, and creates a relatively tender, moist meatball. I didn't intend this recipe to be a Thanksgiving dinner alternative, but now that I think about it, these could actually work. These are delicious served over saffron basmati rice.
Servings per recipe: 6
Calories per serving: 258
Preparation time: 25m
Total cooking time: 2h 25m
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground turkey thigh meat
- 1 cup packed, cooked white long grain rice
- 3 cloves crushed garlic
- 1/4 cup chopped Italian flat leaf parsley
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Sauce:
- 2 1/2 cups prepared tomato sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth, plus more as needed
- 1/3 cup creme fraiche
- 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons chopped Italian flat leaf parsley
- salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- 1 Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and oil the surface lightly.
- 2 Mix ground turkey, cooked rice, garlic, parsley, egg, salt, paprika, cumin, pepper, oregano, cayenne, and olive together in a bowl using a fork. Portion mixture with a small scoop (between 1/4 and 1/3 cup) and place on prepared foil-lined baking sheet. Use your (wet) hands to form into round meatballs. Bake in preheated oven until browned, about 15 minutes.
- 3 Pour chicken broth and prepared tomato sauce in a saucepan. Whisk in creme fraiche, sherry vinegar, and paprika. Transfer meatballs to tomato sauce. Set heat to medium high and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer until tender, 60 to 90 minutes. If sauce gets too thick, add a splash or 2 of broth or water. Remove from heat. Stir in parsley, salt, and pepper.
Nutrion facts:
| Total Fat | 14.3g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 5.0g | |
| Cholesterol | 106mg | 35% |
| Sodium | 1423mg | 57% |
| Potassium | 562mg | 16% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 15.1g | 5% |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Protein | 19.1g | 38% |
| Sugars | 5g | |
| Vitamin A | 1151IU | |
| Vitamin C | 13mg | |
| Calcium | 48mg | |
| Iron | 3mg | |
| Thiamin | 0mg | |
| Niacin | 8mg | |
| Vitamin B6 | 0mg | |
| Magnesium | 39mg | |
| Folate | 41mcg |
