Indian Curry Turkey Meatballs
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Meatballs Indian Moderate
Indian Curry Turkey Meatballs

This recipe for Indian Curry Ground Turkey Meatballs is a flavorful and healthy twist on a classic dish. The rich, aromatic curry sauce, combined with tender, juicy meatballs, creates a satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion. By following these simple steps, you can create a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen.

What You Will Need

Ingredients

For the Curry Sauce:

  • 2 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp coriander seeds
  • 2 tbsp cooking oil
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped onion (or 1 tbsp onion flakes)
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 1/2 tsp minced ginger root
  • 1 serrano chili or other hot chili, seeded and chopped
  • 1 tbsp curry powder
  • 1 tsp ground turmeric
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

For the Meatballs:

  • 1.25 lb ground turkey
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup bread crumbs or substitute

The Process

Step 1: Toasting and Grinding Spices:

  • Heat a dry skillet over medium heat.
  • Add cumin and coriander seeds to the dry skillet.
  • Toast the seeds until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  • Grind the toasted spices in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.

Step 2: Preparing the Sauce:

  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add onion, garlic, ginger, and chili to the hot oil.
  • Cook and stir until the onion becomes translucent, about 8 minutes.
  • Stir in curry powder, turmeric, ground cumin, and ground coriander.
  • Add 1 tablespoon of water and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  • Add crushed tomatoes, yogurt, and 1 teaspoon of salt.
  • Stir in 1 cup of water and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
  • For a smoother sauce, blend the mixture in a blender.
  • Stir in 1 tablespoon of chopped cilantro.
  • Let the sauce cool and refrigerate overnight (preferred).

Step 3: Making the Meatballs:

  • In a large bowl, combine garam masala, salt, cilantro, lemon juice, oil, breadcrumbs, and ground turkey.
  • Mix well until thoroughly combined.
  • Form the mixture into 1-tablespoon-sized meatballs.
  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Fry the meatballs in batches for 4 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through.

Step 4: Combining and Serving:

  • Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the meatballs.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for a few minutes, or until the desired consistency is reached.
  • Serve the meatballs and sauce over rice.