Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for greasing
Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Food processor or blender (optional)
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Grease a baking sheet with olive oil.
4. Using your hands, shape the turkey mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball.
5. Place the turkey balls on the greased baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
6. Bake the turkey chiftele in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F (190°C)
Serving size:
- This recipe makes about 20 turkey chiftele, serving 4-5 people.
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 180
- Total fat: 8g
- Saturated fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total carbohydrates: 9g
- Dietary fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 18g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground chicken or beef can be used instead of turkey.
- Panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers can be used instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Fresh cilantro or dill can be used instead of parsley.
- Instead of paprika, you can use cumin, chili powder, or any other spice blend you prefer.
Variations:
- Add some grated Parmesan cheese or crumbled feta cheese to the turkey mixture for extra flavor.
- Make a dipping sauce by mixing together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, and chopped fresh herbs.
- Serve the turkey chiftele over a bed of mixed greens or with a side of roasted vegetables.
Tips and tricks:
- To make the turkey mixture smoother, you can pulse the onion and garlic in a food processor or blender before adding them to the bowl.
- If the turkey mixture is too wet, add more breadcrumbs. If it's too dry, add more milk.
- To make the turkey chiftele ahead of time, shape the balls and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Leftover turkey chiftele can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Storage instructions:
- Leftover turkey chiftele can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the turkey chiftele, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the turkey chiftele on a platter with some fresh herbs and lemon wedges for garnish.
- Arrange the turkey chiftele on individual plates with a side of dipping sauce and some roasted vegetables.
Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh parsley, cilantro, or dill
- Lemon wedges
- Crumbled feta cheese or grated Parmesan cheese
Pairings:
- Serve the turkey chiftele with a side of roasted vegetables, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, or Brussels sprouts.
- A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette would also be a great side dish.
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Green salad
- Quinoa or rice pilaf
- Mashed sweet potatoes
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the turkey chiftele are too dry, try adding more milk or an extra egg to the mixture.
- If the turkey chiftele are falling apart, try adding more breadcrumbs or chilling the mixture in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before shaping the balls.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the turkey chiftele are cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are safe to eat.
- Wash your hands and all utensils thoroughly before and after handling raw meat.
Food history:
- Chiftele is a traditional Romanian dish made with ground meat, onions, and spices. It is typically fried, but this baked version is a healthier twist on the classic recipe.
Flavor profiles:
- The turkey chiftele are savory and slightly spicy, with a hint of sweetness from the caramelized onions.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the turkey chiftele as an appetizer or a main dish, with a side of roasted vegetables or a green salad. They would also be great in a pita sandwich with some tzatziki sauce and fresh herbs.
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Region: Romanian