Santa Fe Meatballs

Santa Fe Meatballs Recipe - Delicious Ground Turkey Meatballs

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Santa Fe Meatballs are a delicious and flavorful twist on traditional meatballs, with a cheesy surprise in the center. These meatballs are perfect for a family dinner or a party appetizer, and are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.

History

The Santa Fe Meatballs recipe is inspired by the flavors of the American Southwest, with ingredients like cumin, salsa, and cheese giving these meatballs a unique and delicious taste. This recipe puts a fun and tasty spin on classic meatballs, making them a great option for anyone looking to try something new and exciting in the kitchen.

Ingredients

1 tbsp canola oil, divided
1 small onion, finely chopped (about 0.5 cup)
2 slices Atkins Bakery™ ready-to-eat country white bread, torn into small pieces
0.25 cup water
0.25 cup heavy cream
1 lb (454 g) ground turkey
1 tsp chopped garlic
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp salt
0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper
0.25 lb (113 g) pepper jack (or monterey jack) cheese, cut into 12 equal sized cubes
0.5 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
0.5 cup prepared green salsa

How to prepare

In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 tsp of oil over medium heat.
Sauté the onion until softened, about 5 minutes, and set it aside.
In a large bowl, soak the bread in water and cream until soft.
Mix in the turkey, garlic, cumin, salt, pepper, and onions.
Divide the mixture into 12 portions, insert a cheese cube into the center of each portion, and form them into balls (making sure the cheese is completely enclosed).
Heat the remaining oil over medium heat.
Cook the meatballs for 5 minutes, turning them to brown on all sides.
Add the salsa and chicken broth to the skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer, covered, until the meatballs are cooked through, about 10 minutes.
Transfer the meatballs to a plate and spoon the sauce over them before serving.

Variations

For a spicier version of Santa Fe Meatballs, add some chopped jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or cheddar, for a unique flavor twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When making Santa Fe Meatballs, be sure to fully enclose the cheese cubes in the meat mixture to prevent them from melting out during cooking. Additionally, be careful not to overcook the meatballs, as they can become dry and tough if cooked for too long. To ensure even cooking, be sure to turn the meatballs regularly while cooking in the skillet.

Serving Suggestions

Santa Fe Meatballs can be served as a main dish with rice or salad, or as an appetizer with toothpicks for easy serving.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making perfect Santa Fe Meatballs is to cook them gently over medium heat, turning them regularly to ensure even browning. Simmering the meatballs in the salsa and chicken broth helps to infuse them with flavor and keep them moist and tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have ground turkey on hand, you can use ground chicken or beef as a substitute. You can also use regular white bread or breadcrumbs in place of the Atkins Bakery™ ready-to-eat country white bread.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meat mixture for Santa Fe Meatballs ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook. This makes it easy to have a delicious meal ready in no time.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Santa Fe Meatballs on a platter with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or chopped green onions for a pop of color. You can also drizzle some extra salsa over the top for added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Santa Fe Meatballs pair well with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp green salad. A cold beer or a glass of red wine is the perfect accompaniment to this flavorful dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Santa Fe Meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the meatballs in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Santa Fe Meatballs contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Santa Fe Meatballs contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Santa Fe Meatballs contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Santa Fe Meatballs contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Santa Fe Meatballs are a good source of iron, vitamin C, and calcium.

Alergens

Santa Fe Meatballs contain dairy (cheese) and gluten (bread).

Summary

Santa Fe Meatballs are a balanced meal option, providing a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Santa Fe Meatballs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is sure to become a family favorite. With a cheesy surprise in the center and a flavorful salsa sauce, these meatballs are a fun twist on a classic recipe that everyone will love.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to make. It was a hot summer day in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and I was visiting a local farmer's market with my dear friend Maria. As we strolled through the bustling market, the smell of spices and peppers filled the air, tempting our taste buds.

We came across a small stand run by an elderly woman named Rosa, who was selling an array of homemade sauces and spices. Maria and I couldn't resist trying a sample of her Santa Fe Meatballs, and from the first bite, we were hooked. The flavors were bold and vibrant, a perfect blend of spicy and savory that danced on our tongues.

I asked Rosa for the recipe, and she smiled warmly before handing me a tattered piece of paper with handwritten instructions. She told me that the recipe had been passed down through generations in her family, originating from her great-grandmother's time as a cook in the old Santa Fe railroad dining cars.

I was thrilled to have the opportunity to learn such a treasured recipe, and I knew I had to do it justice. I made a mental note to gather all the ingredients as soon as I returned home, eager to recreate the magic of those delicious meatballs.

As I followed Rosa's instructions in my kitchen, I could almost feel her presence guiding me. The scent of cumin and chili powder filled the air, transporting me back to that sunny day in Santa Fe. I shaped the meat mixture into perfect little balls, just like Rosa had shown me, and placed them in a hot skillet to sizzle and brown.

The meatballs cooked quickly, the spices blending together to create a symphony of flavors. I couldn't resist sneaking a taste before they were fully done, and my taste buds sang with delight. The meatballs were tender and juicy, with just the right amount of heat from the jalapenos and cayenne pepper.

I served the Santa Fe Meatballs to my family that evening, and their eyes lit up with joy as they took their first bite. They loved the bold flavors and unique combination of spices, and I felt a swell of pride knowing that I had successfully recreated Rosa's recipe.

Over the years, I have made those Santa Fe Meatballs countless times, each batch better than the last. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition that Rosa had shared with me.

I often think back to that fateful day in Santa Fe, where I discovered a recipe that would become a staple in my kitchen. The memories of that sunny market and the taste of those delicious meatballs will always hold a special place in my heart.

As I continue to cook and create in my kitchen, I am grateful for the knowledge and inspiration that I have gained from the people and places I have encountered along the way. Cooking is more than just following a recipe – it is a journey of discovery and connection, a way to honor the past and create new memories for the future.

And so, I will always cherish the story behind my Santa Fe Meatballs, a recipe that has brought joy and deliciousness to my family and friends, and a reminder of the power of food to connect us all.