Description
Savory pumpkin turkey meatballs bring autumn’s warmth to dinner tables with Mediterranean-inspired comfort. Herb-infused ground turkey and seasonal pumpkin create a delightful meal packed with protein and rich seasonal flavor you’ll crave repeatedly.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground turkey
Main Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (120 grams) canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup (56 grams) almond flour
- 1 egg
Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1/4 cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 400F (200C) and cover a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, blend ground turkey with velvety pumpkin puree, creating a smooth base for the meatballs.
- Incorporate almond flour and Parmesan cheese into the meat mixture, ensuring even distribution of dry ingredients.
- Crack a fresh egg into the bowl and add minced garlic, onion powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and paprika for robust flavor complexity.
- Thoroughly combine all ingredients using a fork or hands, working gently to maintain meat’s tender texture.
- Using a tablespoon, portion out uniform meatball portions and roll between palms to create smooth, round shapes.
- Arrange meatballs across the prepared baking sheet, leaving small gaps between each for consistent heat circulation.
- Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, rotating midway for even browning.
- Verify doneness by checking internal temperature reaches 165F or meatballs appear golden and firm.
- Allow meatballs to rest for 3-5 minutes after removing from oven, which helps retain moisture and develop final flavors.
- Serve warm alongside your preferred dipping sauce or atop a crisp green salad for a protein-packed meal.
Notes
- Create uniform meatballs by using a cookie scoop or tablespoon measure to ensure consistent size and even cooking.
- Prevent dryness by not overmixing the ingredients, which can make turkey meatballs tough and dense.
- Boost moisture content by adding grated zucchini or extra pumpkin puree if the mixture seems too dry.
- Customize flavors by experimenting with different herbs like fresh thyme or rosemary for unique taste profiles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 235 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg