Ingredients
1 lb ground turkey
1 medium zucchini (about 4 cups grated)
1/4 cup grated onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 cup uncooked medium-grain rice
1/4 cup butter (substituted with olive oil for halal option)
1/4 cup lemon zest
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley or dill, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
Finely grate zucchini and mix with ground turkey, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, cumin, oregano, lemon juice, salt, and pepper
Form mixture into 1-inch meatballs
Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet; drizzle with olive oil
Bake for 25 minutes or until firm and golden
Rinse rice under water to reduce starch
Sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant
Add rice, butter, lemon zest, and water (1.5 cups liquid for 1 cup rice)
Simmer until rice is tender, fluff with a fork
Garnish with fresh herbs before serving
Notes
Meatballs can be prepared ahead and frozen; bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes from frozen
Substitute breadcrumbs with crushed whole grain crackers for gluten-free version
Lemon rice can be made with extra virgin olive oil and zest for more intensity
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Mediterranean Table
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Halal
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 to 6 servings
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 70mg