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As the seasons change and autumn settles in, our culinary cravings often shift toward comforting and hearty dishes that celebrate the harvest. One such dish that embodies the spirit of fall is Cranberry-Apple Turkey Meatballs. This delightful recipe combines the savory flavor of turkey with the sweet and tart notes of cranberries and apples, creating a dish that is not only delicious but also visually appealing. Perfect for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or even as a wholesome appetizer at your next party, these meatballs are sure to impress your guests while keeping the focus on health and flavor.

Cranberry Apple Turkey Meatballs

Discover the perfect dish for autumn with our Cranberry-Apple Turkey Meatballs. This delightful recipe combines lean turkey with the sweet-tart flavors of cranberries and apples, creating a nutritious and flavorful meal ideal for family dinners or holiday gatherings. Easy to prepare, these meatballs can be served as appetizers or main dishes. Enjoy a comforting meal packed with flavor and healthy ingredients, perfect for impressing your guests this season.
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground turkey

1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped (or substitute with 1/2 cup dried cranberries)

1 medium apple, peeled and finely diced (preferably a sweet variety like Fuji or Honeycrisp)

1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs

1/4 cup finely chopped onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 large egg

1 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp dried rosemary

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

1/4 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)

1 tbsp olive oil (for frying)

Instructions
 

Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures that the meatballs will bake evenly once they are ready.

    Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, chopped cranberries, diced apple, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Mix with your hands until all ingredients are well blended and cohesive.

      Shape the Meatballs: Using your hands, form the mixture into meatballs, approximately 1½ inches in diameter. You should be able to shape about 20 meatballs from the mixture.

        Sear the Meatballs: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the meatballs in the skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Sear each meatball for about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides.

          Transfer to Baking Dish: After browning, use tongs to carefully transfer the meatballs to a baking dish, arranging them in a single layer.

            Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet used for searing, pour in the chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the skillet, incorporating them into the broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then pour the broth over the meatballs in the baking dish.

              Bake: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

                Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm as a savory appetizer or over a bed of couscous or creamy mashed potatoes for a wholesome meal.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 45 mins | 4-6 servings

                    - Presentation Tips: For an elegant touch, arrange the meatballs on a platter and drizzle some of the broth from the baking dish over them, garnishing with additional parsley for color.