New England-style Turkey Meatballs

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional beef or lamb used in Kufte is replaced with ground turkey, which is a leaner and healthier alternative. The New England twist comes from the addition of maple syrup and apple cider vinegar, which adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess to the meatballs. Additionally, the traditional Turkish spices are adjusted to incorporate flavors commonly found in New England cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Kufte, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) ground turkey 500g (1.1 lb) ground turkey
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried sage 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 12g, 4g
• Protein: 24g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, dried sage, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. 2.
   Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
3. 3.
   Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned and cooked through.
4. 4.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup and apple cider vinegar. Pour the mixture over the cooked meatballs and stir gently to coat them evenly.
5. 5.
   Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
6. 6.
   Remove from heat and serve the meatballs hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground turkey — Make sure to use lean ground turkey for healthier meatballs. Avoid using ground turkey with added fillers or high fat content.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more pronounced New England flavor, you can add a pinch of ground nutmeg or a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the meatball mixture.
• If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can increase the amount of maple syrup in the sauce.
• These meatballs can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. They also freeze well, so you can make a larger batch and store them for later use.
• Serve the meatballs with a side of cranberry sauce for a classic New England touch.
• If you don't have apple cider vinegar, you can substitute it with white wine vinegar or lemon juice.

Serving advice

Serve the New England-style turkey meatballs as an appetizer with toothpicks for easy serving, or as a main course with mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Presentation advice

Arrange the meatballs on a platter, drizzle the sauce over them, and sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for an attractive presentation. Serve with a side of cranberry sauce and garnish with fresh cranberries for a festive touch.