Persian/Asian Ground Turkey Meatballs

I created this recipe inspired by the Persian dish. They have similar spices as Asian recipes, and most of them are already in my kitchen. I use ground turkey for the lean meat, but ground beef or pork will work as well. The combination of herbs and spices are packed with vitamin C, cilantro, and mints. These meatballs can be threaded through a skewer to make as kabobs and then grilled. However, a simple way to finish these meatballs is to broil them in a high-heat oven or to pan-fry them. Serve with pita bread or rice with some dipping sauce*.

Ingredients:
1 lb. ground turkey
1 egg
1/2 cup grated white onions
1/4 cup mint leaves, chopped
1/3 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
1 garlic minced
1/2 tsp fresh ginger
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Directions:
In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients and gently mix them until the mixture holds together.

Form into 15 to 20 meatballs depending on the size of meatballs that you like.

 Spray the baking sheet with olive oil and arrange the meatballs on the baking sheet. Bake in a NuWave® oven or regular oven set to 350° for 15 minutes. Serve.

 

 

*Ingredients for making sweet Vietnamese dipping sauce for these meatballs.
 1/4 cup water
1/4 cup fish sauce
1/4 cup rice vinegar
2 tbs each sugar and lemon juice
Minced garlic and fresh chili

Combine and stir the dipping sauce ingredients.

*Ingredients for making Middle Eastern sauce:
1/4 cup nonfat Greek yogurt
1/4 cup feta cheese
1 tsp lime juice
Salt, pepper
Mash the cheese and stir in the yogurt, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to serve.