Spiced Turkey Meatballs with Lemon, Cumin, and Sumac Recipe
Introduction
These spiced turkey meatballs are packed with fragrant flavors from cumin, sumac, and allspice. They make a versatile and healthy option for meals throughout the week, perfect for curries or wraps.
Ingredients
- 800g turkey thigh mince
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp sumac
- ½ tsp ground allspice
- A small handful of finely chopped parsley
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- Black pepper, freshly cracked
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the turkey thigh mince, crushed garlic, lemon zest, ground cumin, sumac, allspice, chopped parsley, salt, and a good crack of black pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together thoroughly until well combined.
- Step 2: Set aside half of the mixture in an airtight container and refrigerate for later use. With the remaining half, roll into approximately 20 meatballs, each weighing about 20g. Place them in an airtight container lined with baking parchment.
Tips & Variations
- For extra moisture and tenderness, add a tablespoon of plain yogurt to the mixture before shaping the meatballs.
- Substitute turkey thigh mince with chicken or beef mince if preferred.
- Use fresh herbs like mint or cilantro in place of parsley for a different flavor profile.
- These meatballs work wonderfully in a variety of dishes—try them in a tomato sauce, or with rice and vegetables.
Storage
Store the meatballs in an airtight container lined with baking parchment in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, gently warm them in a saucepan with a sauce of your choice or bake in an oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10–15 minutes until heated through.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I freeze the meatballs?
Yes, these meatballs freeze well. Arrange them on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a sealed container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What dishes can I make with these meatballs?
You can use these spiced turkey meatballs in a variety of dishes, such as a yellow coconut curry with chickpeas, wraps with pickled vegetables, or simply served over rice or couscous with a salad.
Print
Spiced Turkey Meatballs with Lemon, Cumin, and Sumac Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 20 meatballs 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These spiced turkey meatballs are a flavorful and aromatic dish featuring tender turkey thigh mince blended with garlic, lemon zest, and a mix of warm spices like cumin, sumac, and allspice. Perfect for a healthy and versatile meal, these meatballs can be cooked and served in various dishes, including curries and wraps.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 800g turkey thigh mince
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp sumac
- ½ tsp ground allspice
- A small handful of finely chopped parsley
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the mixture: In a large bowl, combine the turkey thigh mince with crushed garlic cloves, lemon zest, ground cumin, sumac, ground allspice, chopped parsley, sea salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to thoroughly mix all the ingredients until well incorporated.
- Divide the mixture: Set aside half of the prepared turkey mixture in an airtight container and refrigerate for future use.
- Form the meatballs: Roll the remaining half of the mixture into 20 evenly sized meatballs, approximately 20 grams each. Place them on a container lined with baking parchment to prevent sticking.
- Store properly: Keep the formed meatballs refrigerated in an airtight container. They can be stored chilled for up to four days.
- Use the meatballs: Cook the meatballs as desired, such as in a meatball and chickpea yellow coconut curry, or use the unformed minced mixture to make turkey wraps with pickled red cabbage.
Notes
- For best texture, use turkey thigh mince rather than breast mince as it is moister and more flavorful.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before forming meatballs.
- Meatballs can be cooked by pan-frying, baking, or simmering in a curry.
- Make sure meatballs are cooked through to an internal temperature of 75°C (167°F) for safety.
- Leftover uncooked meat mixture can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (estimated, depending on cooking method)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: turkey meatballs, spiced meatballs, ground turkey recipe, healthy meatballs, Mediterranean meatballs, cumin meatballs, lemon zest meatballs
