Moroccan Meatballs
These healthy Moroccan meatballs with ground turkey are flavored with ginger, cinnamon, and cumin, baked, and served in a spicy-sweet sauce.
Foto: Well PlatedIngredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 yellow onion (diced)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 lemon (zested)
- 3/4 cup chicken stock
- 2 cans crushed tomatoes ((14-ounce cans))
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup golden raisins
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup loosely packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves (finely chopped)
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon finely minced fresh ginger
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (plus additional for drizzling)
- 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
- Prepared whole wheat couscous (for serving)
- Cooking spray
Steps
Begin by preparing the sauce. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat, then add the onion and cook until soft but not brown, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and lemon zest and cook for 1 more minute. Add the chicken stock, canned tomatoes, salt, pepper, red pepper, and cinnamon. Let simmer for 8 minutes. Stir in the golden raisins.
Next, place the rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 400 degrees F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil, then set a baking rack on top. Lightly coat with cooking spray and set aside.
In a medium bowl, lightly combine the turkey, parsley, breadcrumbs, ginger, garlic, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
Add the olive oil and eggs, mixing lightly with a fork and being careful not to compact the meat.
Roll the meatballs into 1-inch balls (about 28 balls total), then arrange on the prepared baking sheet.
Drizzle lightly with olive oil (or coat with additional cooking spray), and bake until cooked through; about 15 to 18 minutes.
Transfer to the skillet with the sauce, then use a spoon to coat the meatballs. Serve warm with prepared couscous.
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