Ginger Apple Turkey Meatballs!

I am always trying to think of ways to spice up lean cuts of turkey chop meat. I have really been into adding fresh ginger to everything I cook lately… so this recipe kind of fell into place for me. I like making meatballs because you can do so many recipe variations with them, and there is also always enough for the next day! I originally served these turkey meatballs with a spinach salad. The salad included cucumbers, chopped carrots, red onion, orecchiette pasta, and diced apples! I made a rice wine vinegar to dress the salad and wow, it was delicious! You can also find that recipe below! The next day, I sliced up the extra meatballs from the night before and added them to a whole wheat pizza crust I had in the freezer.  This is a quick and healthy recipe that can take you through the week, to create wholesome and easy week night meals.

Ginger Apple Turkey Meatballs!

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 lb. organic ground turkey
• ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
• ½ cup grated granny smith apple
• ½ cup panko bread crumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 tablespoon cilantro
• 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
• 2 tablespoons finely minced fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons marsala wine
• pinch of red pepper flakes
• ½ cup panko bread crumbs
• 1 egg

PROCESS:

1. Preheat oven to 375F.
2. In the food processor finely grind apple, garlic, red onion and ginger.
3. In a large bowl combine ground turkey, mixture from the food processor, panko, eggs, and fresh herbs and spices (thyme, cilantro, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes) and marsala wine.
4. Combine ingredients together gently with your hands to avoid over mixing.
5. Form meatballs about 1.5 inches big. (approximately a little larger than a golf ball)
6. Place meatballs on a parchment lined baking pan and drizzle with olive oil.
7. Bake at 375F for 20-25 minutes – flip halfway through the cook time.

Rice Wine Vinaigrette

 

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• salt & pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon chives
• 1 tablespoon cilantro
• red pepper flakes

PROCESS:

1. In a glass jar add all ingredients and shake shake shake!
2. Pour over salad and meatballs!