Ingredients

olive oil flavored cooking spray
1 lb lean ground turkey
1/3 cup fat-free low-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
1/4 cup onion , finely chopped
1/2 medium celery rib
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat leaf parsley
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
1 small onion , thinly sliced
2 medium garlic cloves , minced
1 cup no-salt-added tomato sauce
1/3 cup dry red wine
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Turkish meatballs, or köfte, are a popular dish in Turkish cuisine, often served with a variety of side dishes like bulgur pilaf or roasted vegetables. This low-fat version is made with lean ground turkey and a blend of aromatic spices, making them a flavorful and healthy option. Unlike traditional meatballs that are fried in oil, these meatballs are baked in the oven, resulting in a lighter dish without sacrificing flavor. With only a few simple ingredients, these Turkish meatballs are easy to make and can be served on their own or with a side of your choice.

Instructions

1.Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2.In a large bowl, mix together the ground turkey, chicken broth, breadcrumbs, onion, celery, parsley, cinnamon, allspice, turmeric, and ground pepper. Mix until well combined.
3.Using a 1 tablespoon scoop form meat mixture into balls and place on prepared baking sheet.
4.Spray meatballs with cooking spray and bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes.
5.Flip meatballs, spray with cooking spray again and continue baking until browned and cooked through, about 10-15 minutes.
6.While the meatballs are cooking, in a large saucepan over medium heat, sauté sliced onions and garlic until tender, about 4-5 minutes.
7.Add tomato sauce, dry red wine, and crushed red pepper flakes to the saucepan. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 10-15 minutes.
8.Once all the liquid has been absorbed, add the cooked meatballs to saucepan and toss to coat.
9.Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

PROS

Low in fat and loaded with flavor, these Turkish meatballs are a great way to add variety and protein to your diet.
Baked instead of fried, they are a healthier alternative to traditional meatballs.

CONS

Lean turkey can be dry if overcooked, so it’s important to watch the cooking time to make sure the meatballs stay moist and tender.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Turkey is a great source of lean protein and is lower in fat and calories than beef. Spices like cinnamon and turmeric contain antioxidants and have been linked to lower inflammation and improved blood sugar control.

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