Introduction
Discover the delightful combination of traditional flavors and modern techniques with our “Turkey Meatballs with Sage and Cranberries”. This recipe marries the richness of ground turkey with aromatic sage, tart cranberries, and earthy greens. It’s an easy-to-make dish that promises to satisfy without compromising on nutrition.
Tips for this recipe
- For a better texture in meatballs, do not overmix the ingredients; gently combine until just combined.
- To prevent sticking and ensure even cooking, make sure your baking sheet is well-sprayed or lined with parchment paper.
- When measuring out dried cranberries for the recipe, consider using a kitchen scale to achieve the right proportion of fresh ingredients to mix-ins.
Why you will love this recipe
The “Turkey Meatballs with Sage and Cranberries” offers a unique twist on the classic meatball by incorporating sage, an herb often reserved for savory dishes, into the mix. The addition of cranberries adds a surprising sweet-tart element that complements the earthy turkey perfectly. This recipe is also incredibly versatile; you can serve it over pasta, as part of a meatball sub sandwich, or simply enjoy them alongside some roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup pine nuts
- 1 pound ground lean turkey
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup fresh whole-wheat breadcrumbs, soaked in 1 ounce skim milk
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/3 cup packed Swiss chard, spinach or arugula, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
- 1 1/2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh sage
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground marjoram
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Adviced equipments
- Food Processor / Blender
- Mixing Bowl
- Meat Tenderizer (Handheld or Mallet)
- Silicone Spatula
- Cutting Board
- Chef’s Knife
- Baking Sheet
- Oven Mitts
- Meat Thermometer
- Cooking Spray or Parchment Paper
History of the recipe
The tradition of meatballs spans centuries, with various cultures adding their own twist to this beloved dish. The unique combination of turkey, sage, and cranberries in these “Turkey Meatballs with Sage and Cranberries” brings a modern American flair to the classic recipe. Turkeys were first domesticated by Native Americans thousands of years ago. Meanwhile, sage is well-regarded for its culinary applications since ancient times, and cranberries have been harvested in North America for centuries before European settlers arrived.
fun facts about this recipe
The “Turkey Meatballs with Sage and Cranberries” is not just a meal; it’s an homage to the versatile turkey as well as the storied history of sage and cranberries in North American cuisine. Did you know that pine nuts, which add a subtle nutty flavor and crunchiness to our recipe, have been used for over 5000 years? And while we enjoy them fresh, they were originally dried or roasted for preservation purposes!
