Oriental Turkey Meatballs

Ingredients

• 1 lb (454 g) turkey breast cut into cubes, ground turkey or tofu*
• 2 teaspoons Sambal oelek or a few drops of Tabasco sauce
• 2 crushed garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil or other
• 2 teaspoons fresh chopped ginger
• 2 teaspoons miso* 
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro
• One 540 ml can lentils, rinsed and drained
• 6 green onions, finely sliced into rings
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

 
VARIATION: To make this a vegan recipe, replace the turkey with tofu cut into cubes and marinated in soya sauce.

Preparation

1. Place the rack in the middle of the oven.
2. Preheat oven at 375°F (190°C)
3. In a food processor, blend the turkey cubes or the ground turkey with sambal, oil, garlic, ginger, miso, cilantro and lentils for 5 seconds.
4. Add the green onions and blend again for 1 to 2 minutes.
5. On the working plan, shape 24 meatballs, about 1 ½ oz (45 g).
6. Roll the meatballs in sesame seeds.
7. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in the middle of the oven for 8 to 9 minutes.

* Although miso contains 200-300 mg of sodium per 5 ml, it does not appear to elevate blood pressure. Peptides and isoflavones, naturally present in this fermented product, seem to be involved in the health benefits of miso according to hypothesis put forth by studies. (Source: Today's Dietitian, Diet and Hypertension, Special continuing education supplement, Nov 2015)