Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs are a delicious and nutritious twist on traditional meatballs. Here's a recipe that yields tender, flavorful meatballs with a creamy spinach sauce.
**Ingredients:**
For the meatballs:
* 1 pound ground turkey breast
* 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
* 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh spinach
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 egg
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* Salt and pepper, to taste
For the creamy spinach sauce:
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 cup chicken broth
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 1 cup cooked spinach, chopped (fresh or frozen, thawed)
* Salt and pepper, to taste
**Cooking steps:**
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, spinach, Parmesan cheese, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
3. Use your hands to shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each meatball.
4. Drizzle the olive oil over the meatballs and gently roll them around to coat evenly.
5. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned on the outside.
6. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the creamy spinach sauce. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
7. Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and butter, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook for 1 minute, then gradually add the chicken broth, whisking constantly. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
8. Stir in the heavy cream and cooked spinach. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Remove the meatballs from the oven and place them in the creamy spinach sauce. Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for 2-3 minutes, until they're fully coated and heated through.
10. Serve the Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or basil, if desired.
**Tips for correct cooking techniques:**
* Make sure to not overmix the meat mixture, as it can lead to dense meatballs.
* Use a gentle touch when shaping the meatballs to preserve their texture.
* Don't overcrowd the baking sheet, as this can cause the meatballs to steam instead of brown. Bake in batches if necessary.
* Whisk constantly when adding the flour and chicken broth to the saucepan to prevent lumps.
* Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for a few minutes to allow them to absorb the flavors.
**Variations:**
* **Italian-style:** Add 1/4 cup of grated Romano cheese to the meat mixture and sprinkle with parsley before serving.
* **Spicy:** Mix in 1-2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes into the meat mixture for an added kick.
* **Greek-inspired:** Add 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese to the meat mixture and serve with a side of tzatziki sauce.
* **Bacon-wrapped:** Wrap each meatball with a strip of cooked bacon before baking for a rich, smoky flavor.
* **Gluten-free:** Replace the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
I hope you enjoy this recipe! Let me know if you have any questions or if you'd like any further variations.
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