Description
Mediterranean flavors dance in these Greek turkey meatballs, promising a delightful culinary journey through Greece’s sun-drenched landscapes. Creamy tzatziki sauce and herbed ground turkey create a light, zesty dish that will transport you straight to a charming Greek taverna.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound (450 grams) ground turkey (preferably lean)
- 1 large egg
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill (chopped)
Base and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- Olive oil for cooking (if pan-frying)
Tzatziki Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat or low-fat)
- 1/2 cucumber (grated and drained)
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Craft a flavor-packed mixture by thoroughly blending ground turkey with breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, parsley, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl.
- Gently form the meat mixture into uniform spheres, roughly 1-1.5 inches in diameter, being careful not to compress the meat too tightly.
- Select your preferred cooking method: oven, skillet, or air fryer.
- For oven preparation, heat to 400°F and arrange meatballs on a lined baking sheet, roasting for 15-20 minutes until golden and completely cooked through.
- If using a skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat and cook meatballs in batches, rotating every 4-5 minutes to achieve an even, crispy exterior.
- Air fryer enthusiasts can set the device to 380°F, placing meatballs in the basket and cooking for 10-12 minutes, flipping midway to ensure uniform browning.
- Prepare the tzatziki by meticulously grating cucumber and extracting excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
- Combine Greek yogurt with the prepared cucumber, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, chopped dill, and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Season the tzatziki with salt and pepper, then refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and intensify.
- Plate the succulent meatballs alongside a generous portion of chilled tzatziki sauce.
- Complement the dish with warm pita bread, fluffy rice, or a crisp Mediterranean salad for a complete gastronomic experience.
Notes
- Ensure lean ground turkey for a healthier protein option with less fat content.
- Use fresh herbs like parsley and oregano for maximum flavor and aromatic impact.
- Drain cucumber thoroughly to prevent watery tzatziki sauce and maintain thick, creamy consistency.
- Avoid overworking meat mixture to keep meatballs tender and prevent tough texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes (baking) or 10 minutes (pan-frying) or 12 minutes (air frying)
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg