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Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki

Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki

Lean turkey meatballs seasoned with Greek herbs and spices, served with creamy homemade tzatziki sauce
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground turkey preferably lean (93%)
  • 1/3 cup breadcrumbs regular or gluten-free
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup onion finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt plain, full-fat or low-fat
  • 1/2 cucumber grated and drained
  • 1 clove garlic minced, for tzatziki
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for tzatziki

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet with parchment paper
  • large skillet
  • Grater for cucumber
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. In large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, parsley, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix with clean hands just until incorporated, being careful not to overmix.
  2. Roll mixture into uniform meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Slightly wet hands prevent mixture from sticking.
  3. For oven method: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place meatballs on parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. For pan-frying: Heat drizzle of olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs 4-5 minutes per side, turning carefully to brown all sides, until fully cooked through.
  5. For tzatziki sauce, grate cucumber and squeeze out as much moisture as possible using paper towels or cheesecloth to prevent watery sauce.
  6. In mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, drained cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped dill, and olive oil. Stir until evenly mixed, then taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  7. Chill tzatziki in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. Serve meatballs with generous dollop of tzatziki sauce alongside pita bread, rice, or fresh salad.

Notes

Lean ground turkey provides light protein-packed base. Breadcrumbs help bind meatballs and add texture. Fresh herbs give authentic Greek flavor. Drain cucumber well to keep tzatziki thick. Can use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey.
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