TURKEY AND RICE MEATBALLS (ALBONDIGAS)

Turkey and Rice Meatballs (Albondigas) image

As these turkey and rice meatballs simmer in the sauce, the rice absorbs moisture, swell ups, and creates a relatively tender, moist meatball. I didn't intend this recipe to be a Thanksgiving dinner alternative, but now that I think about it, these could actually work. These are delicious served over saffron basmati rice.

Provided by Chef John

Categories Meat and Poultry Recipes Turkey Ground Turkey Recipes

Time 2h25m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 19

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Ingredients

1 pound ground turkey thigh meat
1 cup packed, cooked white long grain rice
3 cloves crushed garlic
¼ cup chopped Italian flat leaf parsley
1 large egg
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 ½ cups prepared tomato sauce
1 cup chicken broth, plus more as needed
⅓ cup creme fraiche
1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
1 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons chopped Italian flat leaf parsley
salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and oil the surface lightly.
Mix ground turkey, cooked rice, garlic, parsley, egg, salt, paprika, cumin, pepper, oregano, cayenne, and olive together in a bowl using a fork. Portion mixture with a small scoop (between 1/4 and 1/3 cup) and place on prepared foil-lined baking sheet. Use your (wet) hands to form into round meatballs. Bake in preheated oven until browned, about 15 minutes.
Pour chicken broth and prepared tomato sauce in a saucepan. Whisk in creme fraiche, sherry vinegar, and paprika. Transfer meatballs to tomato sauce. Set heat to medium high and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer until tender, 60 to 90 minutes. If sauce gets too thick, add a splash or 2 of broth or water. Remove from heat. Stir in parsley, salt, and pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 257.6 calories, Carbohydrate 15.1 g, Cholesterol 105.7 mg, Fat 14.3 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 19.1 g, SaturatedFat 5.3 g, Sodium 1423.3 mg, Sugar 4.9 g