Everyone seemed to land at home today. No school, no work, no plans, on this cold and foggy winter day. Wow! That almost never happens.
It was nice. Nice to have everyone under one roof, all at the same time. Food simmering stove top and fragrantly spiced meatballs baking in the oven. All of us hanging about the kitchen chatting, laughing, telling stories, with a few lively debates mixed in. (of course all led by two sassy gals)
These are the moments that never cease to warm my heart.
Even Tank joined in the fun while I tackled my yard chores. He teased the chicken gals by putting his face against the fence. Then jumped back playfully when they try to peck at him. One day I’ll catch that on video.
Among a few other enticing dishes, today I made the Bennett Crew’s favorite turkey meatballs.
Moist, fragrant, delightfully spiced and a hint of golden color. Apple and Curry Spiced Turkey Meatballs. A perfect, versatile dish that can travel to a party or the short walk to the dinner table.
In my case however, most of them flew right off the baking sheet. 🙂
Delicious wishes for a healthy and happy week!
Loads of Love,
Karista
Apple and Curry Spiced Turkey Meatballs
I keep these stashed in the frig for late night snacks, quick lunches or a dinner meal. Perfect for popping in the freezer (par-cooked) and then pulling them out when you need dinner in a pinch.
I have my friend Gazala to thank for this lovely spice blend. Truly magical!
The key is to purchase fresh quality spices, whole if you can find them, toast and then grind in a spice grinder. Refresh your spices about every six months for best flavor. The Spicy Gourmet is my online source for quality spices.
Serves 4-6
Ingredients
1lb ground dark turkey meat
½ cup finely chopped red onion
1/4 cup grated fresh apple
2 teaspoons turmeric
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon finely minced or grated fresh ginger
1 teaspoon salt
Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
2 teaspoons fresh ground curry spice (recipe follows)
1/3 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg, whisked
Directions
Pre-heat the oven to 400F. Line a baking sheet with parchment and brush with just a little oil.
In a large bowl add the ground dark turkey, curry spice mix, turmeric, salt, pepper, garlic, ginger, onion and apple. Gently mix together and then add the breadcrumbs and whisked egg and gently incorporate into the spiced ground turkey.
Make tablespoon sized meatballs and place on the lined baking sheet. I also use a medium cookie scoop for even measuring. As well, you could use a very small scoop for tiny appetizer meatballs.
Bake the meatballs for about 20 minutes or until they are nicely browned and cooked through.
Serve with cauliflower mashers, coconut sweet potato mashers or a Mediterranean couscous. You can also serve these meatballs with a delicious Moroccan Meatball Sauce that you’ll find at www.FrugalFeeding.com Delicious!
Fresh Ground Spice Mix
Ingredients
2 tablespoons whole coriander
1 tablespoon cumin seeds
10 cardamom pods
3 whole cloves
½ stick cinnamon
Directions
Place the spices in a dry small pan and toast over medium heat. Once toasted, remove from the pan and let the spices cool. Then grind them together in a spice grinder. You will only need two teaspoons for the meatballs, so reserve the remaining spice mix for soups, stews, curries, egg dishes and veggies.
I purchase my fresh spices from www.thespicygourmet.com
Related articles
- Your Questions: The 10 Essential Spices for Stocking Your Pantry (thebittenword.com)
- Herbs. Spices. Amazing Health Benefits. (nutritionize.net)
Looks delicious.
Thank you. Although my family mentioned they were not sauced. My family apparently is stuck on sauce.
I like the idea of pre-making them and then popping them in the oven when needed.
I think we have meatballs from the freezer once a week. So nice to have them on hand. 🙂 Happy Sunday!
I am lucky! Two mentions in quick succession 😀 – you have gorgeous balls, Karista… just like mine. Though it occurs to me that I could have put that better… hmm.
Hahahaha!! Ok, you’ve given me a good laugh for the day. What a clever wit you have. 🙂 Yes, our meatballs are gorgeous! Always happy to mention Frugal Feeding.
Hehe – thanks, Karista. Glad I gave you a laugh!
Please can I come and visit for a week so I can enjoy your lovely food, oh and meet your chicks!
🙂 Mandy xo
Oh I’d love to have you visit for a week at my house!! If you ever come to the states you are always welcome to my home. 🙂 My chicken girls would love you!
Baking meatblass of any variety is the way to go! I have a personla chef client who cannot eat beef or pork and I am always trying to come up with new ways to use turkey. I am going to use this recipe for her next cook day. Thanks for sharing.
Lana thanks so much for stopping by! I know only a few personal chefs/culinary instructors and its so wonderful to connect with you via online. Most of my recipes on this blog I either cook for my family, clients or teach in classes. These meatballs are perfect for a client meal and I make them every few weeks for one of my regular clients. Thank you again for stopping by. I’ll run over and check out your website. Delicious wishes, Karista
These sound absolutely de-lish! I’ll have to try them. What a great way to use up dark turkey meat.
Thanks Chef Bill! Truly I’m addicted to these little lovlies and love eating them right out of the frig. The flavors are so complex and intensify over time. Thanks for stopping by 🙂
I’m making an adaptation of your Beef Staccato as we “speak”. This might have to be next!
I love that dish! One of our family faves 🙂 Nice and hearty and earthy and paired with the creamy polenta almost decadent. 🙂
Ooh, I bet theses would taste great crumbled on a pizza with barbecue sauce!
Well that sounds good! I think they’d be great. 🙂
I can’t wait to try this delicious sounding recipe…the spices used in this dish must make the kitchen smell terrific while the meatballs are cooking.
Yes! The kitchen smelled of fragrant Ceylon spices mixed with fresh apple and onion. So delicious. 🙂 Happy Monday Karen!
Oh yum! I love cooking with turkey and what amazing, bright flavors in these meatballs! Excited to make them.
Thanks Ksenia. I’m a huge meatball fan and these ground dark turkey meatballs are perfect for dinner/lunch/snack or as your walking by the frig and need a bite of something. 🙂
That is totally how I eat meatballs 🙂
Looks so yummy! I idea of apples in it is great.
I love the touch of sweetness the apple brings. 🙂 Have a lovely week!
You too Karista! 🙂
I keep seeing amazing meatball creations popping up everywhere, and I love this idea for a combination. What a perfect thing to have cooking on a cold day when everyone is cozy at home!
I’ve seen some as well and almost didn’t post these. But I’ve made these for years now and it seems like a good time of year to make meatballs. Although I can eat them year round. 🙂
We’ll be trying this, or something similar, some Sunday in the near future…Anything Easy is our theme for that night 😉
I love easy. 🙂 And these couldn’t be easier or more delicious! Have a lovely week
great recipes, i just find another My homemade Garam Masala spice gonna do…..
Ok these would definitely be better to have on hand then the cookie dough balls. So par- cooked is about how long?
I really like this for a meal with couscous- maybe some Israel couscous too.. Your girls are on board with the spice blend? I’ll give it a go here when my husband’s home. Looks to good for him not to be here to eat it. thanks! xo wendy
PS – Actually just thought this would also be good with spaghetti squash – Karen at Backroad Journal just did a nice spaghetti squash recipe.
PPS – Love the bamboo sticks.
I think these epic meatballs need to land in a sandwich somewhere near me and soon! I love apple and curry flavours, devilled sausages with apple being a favourite. I rarely eat turkey though, so thank you for the reminder of this versatile meat in a familiar way which (I do know) and love…
Terrific!!!!! as all your recipes….Have a great weekend!
Thank you Katya! You have a wonderful weekend as well. 🙂