Recipe for Turkey Meatballs in Roasted Green Sauce
Hello! We are going to prepare some turkey meatballs with a roasted green sauce which stands out for its fresh and slightly smoky flavor. This dish combines a soft white meat with a vibrant sauce, ideal for a homemade meal full of flavor and well-balanced.
- Recipe for Turkey Meatballs in Roasted Green Sauce
- Preparation time
- Ingredients
- Utensils we will use
- Preparation
- 1. Meatball preparation
- 2. Roasted green sauce preparation
- 3. Combine and cook together
- To finish and serve
- Nutritional Information
- 5 keys to make it perfect
- When is it ideal to enjoy it?
- Comparative table of Turkey Meatballs in Green Sauce and similar dishes
- Share your experience
- Culinary glossary
Preparation time
The time you'll need to enjoy this dish is brief and very accessible.
- Preparation: 30 minutes
- Cooking: 25 minutes
- Total: 55 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
For the meatballs
- 500 grams of ground turkey meat
- 1 slice of white bread
- ½ cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 finely chopped garlic clove
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Frying oil
For the roasted green sauce
- 6 fresh tomatillos
- 1 serrano chili (adjust to taste)
- ½ white onion
- 1 small bunch of fresh cilantro
- 1 clove of garlic
- Salt to taste
If you don't have fresh tomatillos, you can substitute them with green tomatoes, although the flavor will be less acidic and with less characteristic texture. You can also use chilaca chili if you want a less spicy and sweeter flavor.
Utensils we will use
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium frying pan
- Strainer for washing ingredients
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Food processor or blender for the sauce (optional, can be done by hand)
- Spoon or spatula for mixing
- Serving dish or deep plate
Preparation
1. Meatball preparation
- Soak the bread: Place the slice of white bread in a small bowl with the milk. Let it soak well to soften and then crumble it.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, place the ground turkey meat along with the soaked bread, egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything with clean hands or a spoon until you get a uniform mixture. It is key not to overwork the meat so that the meatballs remain soft.
- Form meatballs: Take portions of the mixture and form medium-sized balls, approximately the size of a large walnut.
- Fry meatballs: Heat a little oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Carefully place the meatballs and fry them until they are golden brown on the outside and well cooked on the inside, approximately 8-10 minutes. It is important to fry them in batches so that they do not crowd and cook evenly.
2. Roasted green sauce preparation
- Wash and prepare the ingredients: Clean the tomatillos, serrano pepper, and cilantro under running water. Peel half of the onion and the garlic clove.
- Roast ingredients: Place the tomatillos, chili, and half an onion on a griddle or frying pan over medium-high heat. Let them brown slightly on the parts where they touch the griddle, turning them so that the skin takes on a dark color (this is roasting). This process adds a smoky and slightly sweet flavor that balances the acidity.
- Blend or grind the sauce: Place the roasted tomatillos, chili, onion, garlic, and cilantro in a blender. Add salt to taste and a little water if necessary to lighten the consistency. The sauce should be smooth, but with a light texture so that it accompanies the meatballs without overpowering them.
3. Combine and cook together
- Combine sauce and meatballs: Place the fried meatballs in a clean pan and pour the salsa verde roasted sauce over them.
- Heat over medium-low heat: Cook everything together for about 10-12 minutes so that the meatballs absorb the flavor of the sauce and remain juicy.
To finish and serve
Correct the seasoning if necessary, removing excess salt if it has concentrated. Serve them turkey meatballs hot, accompanied by a simple side dish such as basmati rice with zucchini and carrot or a vegetable stir-fry. This accompaniment offers a fresh balance and a high variety of textures to complement the main dish. You will be able to enjoy a homemade dish with spices tender that highlight the natural flavor of the turkey and the roasted sauce.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Proteins: 30 g
- Fats: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
Values are approximate per serving and may vary depending on the ingredients used.
5 keys to make it perfect
When preparing the turkey meatballs in roasted green sauce, paying attention to the details makes all the difference:
- Use soaked white bread: This adds tenderness to the mixture and prevents the meatballs from being dry.
- Control the heat when frying: Frying at medium temperature prevents them from burning on the outside and remaining raw on the inside.
- Roast the ingredients well: This step gives it a unique flavor. Observe that the tomatillos and onion have black spots but without burning completely.
- Season calmly: Add salt to the mixture and to the sauce progressively, you can always adjust at the end.
- Do not stack the meatballs: Cook them in batches so they don't stick together and brown evenly.
When is it ideal to enjoy it?
These meatballs are ideal for a family meal or a comforting dinner any time of the year. They are especially popular at gatherings where a nutritious and comforting dish is sought, also perfect for those who prefer the lighter white meat of turkey. The versatility of the roasted green sauce also makes this recipe work well as an appetizer or main dish accompanied by a simple side dish or steamed vegetables.
Comparative table of Turkey Meatballs in Green Sauce and similar dishes
| Recipe | Key ingredients | Difference/advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey meatballs in roasted green sauce | Turkey meat, tomatillo, serrano chili | Fresh flavor with a smoky touch, white and light meat |
| Salmon meatballs | Salmon, fresh herbs, lemon | Marine flavor, softer and juicier texture |
| Meatballs in chipotle sauce | Ground meat, chipotle in adobo, onion | Spicy and smoky sauce, more intense |
| Meatballs of Nayarit shrimp | Shrimp, local spices, garlic | Coastal and marine touch |
| Meatloaf | Ground meat, bread, vegetables | Baked, not fried, different texture |
| Patties of shredded meat | Shredded meat, flour, spices | Firmer and crispier texture |
| Tacos al pastor | Marinated pork, pineapple, spices | Sweet and spicy flavor, different protein |
Share your experience
Cooking is always an invitation to experiment and adapt recipes according to personal taste. If you dare to try these turkey meatballs in roasted green sauce, comment on how they turned out, if you made any variations, or what accompaniments you chose. Sharing your results and tricks helps to improve together and inspire other home cooks.
Culinary glossary
- Tatemar: Cooking ingredients directly over the flame or hot pan until they darken in some parts, achieving a smoky flavor.
- Tomatillo: Green fruit wrapped in a thin husk used for Mexican sauces, has a tart and fresh flavor.
- Minced garlic: Finely chopped garlic to distribute its flavor evenly in dishes.
- Spices: Aromatic ingredients like oregano that are used to flavor meals.
- Side Dish: Side dish that complements the main course, such as vegetables or rice.
