Turkey Meatballs with Lemon and Rosemary Gravy
Turkey Meatballs with Lemon and Rosemary Gravy
Turkey Meatballs with Lemon and Rosemary Gravy
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 4 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
- 3 large cloves garlic peeled
- 1 pound extra lean ground turkey (96% lean)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
- 3 teaspoons freshly grated lemon zest
- 1/2 original fiber one cereal
- 1 medium onion roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup liquid egg substitute
- 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 tablespoon reduced fat butter (i used brummel and brown)
- 1 1/2 cup fat free chicken broth
- Carbohydrate 15.1132456055328 g
- Cholesterol 95.084493075 mg
- Fat 11.7130147954988 g
- Fiber 2.8214186452215 g
- Protein 24.883420769367 g
- Saturated Fat 3.73776812365388 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (277g)
- Sodium 550.792911795924 mg
- Sugar 12.2918269603113 g
- Trans Fat 1.36603667791107 g
- Calories 269 calories
Step-by-step
- In a food processor, combine cereal, salt, onion powder, paprika and pepper and pulverize to a fine powder or breadcrumb like consistency.
- Place onion, garlic and lemon zest in a food processor. Add 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary and pulse just until the mixture is finely and evenly chopped (but not mushy).
- Transfer the mixture to a medium bowl and gently mix in turkey, egg substitute and Fiber One breadcrumbs, Parmesan, 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper until combined. Use a generous 2 tablespoons each to shape the mixture into 12 meatballs (about 1 1/2 inches in diameter). Place flour in a shallow dish and roll the meatballs in it to lightly coat. (Reserve the remaining flour).
- Spray a large nonstick skillet with not fat cooking spray and place over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium, add meatballs and cook, turning once, until brown, 3 to 5 minutes total. Transfer to a plate.
- Add wine to the pan, increase heat to medium-high and cook, scraping up any browned bits, until almost evaporated, 1 to 3 minutes. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to maintain a simmer and return the meatballs to the pan along with the remaining 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary and cook until the meatballs are cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove the meatballs to a serving bowl.
- Bring the sauce to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until reduced to 1 cup, 4 to 8 minutes.
- Whisk lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of the reserved flour in a small bowl (discard any remaining flour); whisking constantly, add the flour mixture to the sauce along with butter and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- Simmer, whisking, until slightly thickened, 1 to 2 minutes. Serve the sauce over the meatballs.
A Busy Mom's Delight: Turkey Meatballs with a Zesty Twist
Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and keeping the family fed, finding time for elaborate cooking feels like a luxury. But that doesn't mean I have to sacrifice delicious, healthy meals. This Turkey Meatball recipe is my go-to for a quick, satisfying, and surprisingly elegant dinner that the whole family loves, even my picky eaters!
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It's a one-pan wonder, minimizing cleanup time – a huge bonus on a busy weeknight. The turkey meatballs are lean and packed with protein, making them a guilt-free indulgence. And the bright, zesty lemon-rosemary gravy adds a touch of sophistication that elevates the dish beyond ordinary weeknight fare. I often make a double batch, enjoying one for dinner and freezing the rest for another busy day. This recipe makes a perfect meal prep dish, too.
Why this recipe works for me: It's adaptable! Feeling adventurous? Swap out the rosemary for thyme or oregano. Want to add some veggies? Finely diced carrots or zucchini would be a delicious addition to the meatball mixture. Need to make it even quicker? Using pre-chopped onions and garlic saves valuable prep time. It’s all about making it work for your schedule and taste preferences.
The flavor combination is what initially drew me to this recipe, but it’s the ease of preparation and the speed at which it’s cooked that makes it a staple in my recipe repertoire. The herbs elevate the flavour of the lean ground turkey, preventing it from becoming bland. The lemon juice is surprisingly refreshing and cuts through the richness of the gravy, while creating a bright and tangy finish.
I often serve this with a side of simple steamed green beans or a light salad. Sometimes, I’ll add some crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy. It's a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides, making it a perfect centerpiece for any meal. The best part? The cleanup is minimal, leaving you with more time to spend with your family or simply relax after a long day. This isn't just a meal; it's a testament to making delicious and healthy eating attainable, even when time is scarce.
This recipe isn’t just a quick and easy dinner; it’s a testament to the fact that delicious, healthy food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. It's a win-win for busy moms everywhere, providing a nutritious and satisfying meal without sacrificing precious time or energy. So, next time you're short on time but craving a flavorful and healthy dinner, try this recipe. You won't be disappointed!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that are usually readily available in most grocery stores. I like to keep my pantry stocked with these basics so I can whip up this dish whenever I need a quick and healthy meal. Here’s a quick rundown of the key ingredients:
- Extra Lean Ground Turkey: The foundation of our meatballs. I prefer extra lean for a healthier option, but you can adjust based on your preference.
- Fiber One Cereal: Adds a nice texture and helps bind the meatballs.
- Fresh Rosemary and Lemon: These provide a bright and zesty flavor that complements the turkey beautifully. Fresh is best, but you can substitute dried herbs if necessary.
- Garlic and Onion: These aromatic staples add depth and richness to the meatballs and gravy.
- White Wine: A splash of dry white wine adds complexity to the gravy.
- Chicken Broth: The base for the delicious lemon-rosemary gravy.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a touch of salty, savory flavor to the meatballs.
- Liquid Egg Substitute: Helps bind the meatballs together. You can also use a whole egg or egg whites.
Beyond these core ingredients, the rest are simple pantry staples: salt, pepper, paprika, flour, and butter. The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. If you don’t have an ingredient on hand, feel free to substitute it with something similar. It’s all about getting creative and making this recipe your own.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overmix the meatball mixture. Gently combine the ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can result in tough meatballs.
- Use a good quality ground turkey. The better the quality of your ground turkey, the better your meatballs will taste.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet when browning the meatballs. Work in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice to your liking. If you prefer a more lemony gravy, add a little extra lemon juice.
This recipe is a testament to the idea that even busy moms can enjoy delicious, healthy, and satisfying meals without spending hours in the kitchen. So go ahead, give it a try, and let me know what you think in the comments below! Happy cooking!
