Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup prepared pesto
Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Food processor (optional)
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, basil, oregano, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Roll the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
4. Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
5. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the pesto. If using store-bought pesto, skip this step. If making homemade pesto, combine 1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup pine nuts, 2 cloves garlic, and 1/4 cup olive oil in a food processor. Pulse until smooth.
6. Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
7. Spoon the pesto over the meatballs and serve.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
5. Temperature:
400°F
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 250
Total Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 95mg
Sodium: 380mg
Total Carbohydrates: 7g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 1g
Protein: 19g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef or chicken can be used instead of turkey.
- Any type of breadcrumbs can be used, including gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Any type of hard cheese can be used instead of Parmesan cheese.
- Any type of fresh herbs can be used instead of parsley, basil, and oregano.
- Store-bought or homemade pesto can be used.
Variations:
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers to the meatball mixture for extra flavor.
- Serve the meatballs over pasta or zucchini noodles.
- Make mini meatballs and serve them as appetizers.
- Use the meatball mixture to make burgers instead.
Tips and tricks:
- Don't overmix the meatball mixture or the meatballs will be tough.
- Wet your hands with water before rolling the meatballs to prevent sticking.
- If the meatball mixture is too wet, add more breadcrumbs. If it's too dry, add more egg or a splash of milk.
- To make the meatballs ahead of time, roll them and place them on a baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Storage instructions:
Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat the meatballs, place them in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the meatballs on a platter and drizzle with extra pesto. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with toothpicks for easy eating.
Garnishes:
Fresh herbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of olive oil.
Pairings:
Serve the meatballs with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caprese salad
- Roasted asparagus
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Grilled zucchini
- Caesar salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the meatballs are too dry, add more egg or a splash of milk to the mixture.
- If the meatballs are falling apart, the mixture may be too wet. Add more breadcrumbs to bind the mixture together.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 165°F to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Wash your hands and all surfaces that come into contact with raw meat to prevent cross-contamination.
Food history:
Meatballs are a popular dish in many cultures, including Italian, Swedish, and Turkish cuisine. They are typically made with ground meat, breadcrumbs, and seasonings, and can be served in a variety of ways.
Flavor profiles:
The turkey meatballs are savory and herbaceous, while the pesto adds a bright and tangy flavor.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the meatballs as a main dish or as an appetizer at a party.
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Region: Italian