How to Make Turkey and Rice Meatballs (Albondigas) - A Step-by-Step Guide

Albondigas, or Spanish meatballs, are a delicious and comforting dish that is enjoyed throughout Spain and Latin America. These savory meatballs are often made with beef or pork, but in this recipe, we're putting a delicious twist on the classic by using ground turkey and rice for an even lighter and healthier version.

These turkey and rice meatballs are tender, flavorful, and perfect for a comforting dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. They are simmered in a rich and savory tomato ...

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Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground turkey thigh meat
  • 1 cup packed, cooked white long grain rice
  • 3 cloves crushed garlic
  • ¼ cup chopped Italian flat leaf parsley
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 ½ cups prepared tomato sauce
  • 1 cup chicken broth, plus more as needed
  • ⅓ cup creme fraiche
  • 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoons chopped Italian flat leaf parsley
  • salt and pepper to taste

Information

  • Prep Time: 25 mins
  • Cook Time: 2 hrs
  • Total Time: 2 hrs 25 mins
  • Servings: 6
  • Yield: 20 to 24 small meatballs

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and oil the surface lightly.
  • Mix ground turkey, cooked rice, garlic, parsley, egg, salt, paprika, cumin, pepper, oregano, cayenne, and olive together in a bowl using a fork. Portion mixture with a small scoop (between 1/4 and 1/3 cup) and place on prepared foil-lined baking sheet. Use your (wet) hands to form into round meatballs. Bake in preheated oven until browned, about 15 minutes.
  • Pour chicken broth and prepared tomato sauce in a saucepan. Whisk in creme fraiche, sherry vinegar, and paprika. Transfer meatballs to tomato sauce. Set heat to medium high and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer until tender, 60 to 90 minutes. If sauce gets too thick, add a splash or 2 of broth or water. Remove from heat. Stir in parsley, salt, and pepper.
  • Nutrition

    258 cal.

    • Total Fat: 14g
    • Saturated Fat: 5g
    • Cholesterol: 106mg
    • Sodium: 1423mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 15g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Total Sugars: 5g
    • Protein: 19g
    • Vitamin C: 13mg
    • Calcium: 49mg
    • Iron: 3mg
    • Potassium: 562mg