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Ottolenghi’s Turkey Zucchini Meatballs with Lemony Yogurt Sauce

A delicious and healthy dish made with turkey, zucchini, fresh herbs, and a refreshing lemony yogurt sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2/3 cup low-fat plain Greek Yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 small garlic clove, pressed or finely minced
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon sumac
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • 1 pound ground turkey (white or dark meat)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 large zucchini, grated
  • 6 scallions, sliced thin
  • 2 tablespoons chopped mint leaves
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro leaves
  • 2 large cloves garlic, pressed or finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • Vegetable oil for sautéing

Instructions

  1. Make the Yogurt Sauce: Combine sour cream, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, sumac, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix well and set aside or refrigerate for up to 3 days until needed.
  2. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, grated zucchini, sliced scallions, egg, chopped mint, chopped cilantro, garlic, cumin, salt, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Use your hands to mix everything well.
  4. Shape the Meatballs: Take about 2 1/2 tablespoons of the mixture and shape them into balls, then place them on a plate. This recipe makes about 18 meatballs.
  5. Brown the Meatballs: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add half of the meatballs to the pan and cook for about 4 minutes until browned on all sides. Transfer to the baking sheet and repeat with remaining meatballs, adding more oil if needed.
  6. Bake the Meatballs: Slide the baking sheet into the center of the oven and bake for 6-7 minutes until cooked through.
  7. Serve: Enjoy the meatballs warm with the lemony yogurt sauce on the side.

Notes

Serve with fresh vegetables or a simple salad for a complete meal. You can also serve these meatballs over rice, quinoa, or couscous for a more filling option.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatballs, turkey, zucchini, greek yogurt, healthy dinner, ottolenghi, quick meal