Turkey Balls (pet food)

Turkey Balls Recipe with Cheese and Sesame Seeds

| Servings: 12

Introduction

Turkey balls are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or snack that are perfect for any occasion. These savory bites are made with a combination of cooked turkey, vegetables, and cheese, all wrapped up in a soft and fluffy bread dough. They are then baked to golden perfection and sprinkled with sesame seeds for an extra crunch.

History

The exact origins of turkey balls are unclear, but they are believed to have originated in Turkey, where they are a popular street food snack. Over time, the recipe has evolved and been adapted to suit different tastes and preferences.

Ingredients

1 loaf of uncooked bread dough or pizza dough
0.25 cup of turkey broth
1-2 tsp of flour
0.75 cup of cooked turkey, cut into small pieces
0.5 cup of cooked vegetables
0.25 tsp of garlic powder
0.25 of grated cheese
0.25 cup of sesame seeds

How to prepare

Roll out the dough and cut it into 3-inch circles using a cookie cutter.
In a saucepan, combine the broth and flour, stirring until the flour is dissolved and the mixture thickens.
Add the turkey, veggies, and garlic powder. Cook until the mixture is heated through. Allow it to cool a bit.
Spoon one to two teaspoonfuls of the turkey mixture onto each circle. Fold up the sides and pinch them shut. Roll each ball into a round shape.
In a small bowl, mix the cheese and sesame seeds. Roll or sprinkle each ball with the mixture.
Arrange the balls on a cookie sheet and cook them in a preheated oven at 375°F (191°C) for 10–15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
Allow the balls to cool and store them in the refrigerator.

Variations

Add different vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the turkey mixture for added flavor.
Use different types of cheese such as feta or mozzarella for a unique twist.
Substitute the turkey with chicken or beef for a different protein option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the turkey and vegetables until they are heated through before filling the dough circles.

- Be careful not to overfill the dough circles, as this can cause them to burst open during baking.

- For a golden brown finish, brush the tops of the turkey balls with a beaten egg before baking.

- Serve the turkey balls warm with a side of dipping sauce for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the turkey balls as an appetizer with a side of marinara sauce or tzatziki for dipping.

Cooking Techniques

Bake the turkey balls in the oven for a crispy and golden finish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use store-bought pizza dough instead of homemade bread dough for a quicker option.

- Substitute the sesame seeds with poppy seeds or everything bagel seasoning for a different topping.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the turkey balls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the turkey balls on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the turkey balls with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover turkey balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of turkey balls contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of turkey balls contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of turkey balls contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of turkey balls contains approximately 12 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Turkey balls are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

Turkey balls contain wheat, dairy, and sesame seeds.

Summary

Turkey balls are a nutritious and delicious snack that is high in protein and low in calories. They are a great option for those looking for a healthy and satisfying appetizer.

Summary

Turkey balls are a delicious and nutritious snack that is perfect for any occasion. With a combination of tender turkey, vegetables, and cheese wrapped in a soft bread dough, these savory bites are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy them warm with a side of dipping sauce for a tasty treat.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy memory that I will always cherish. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in the countryside with my grandparents. I was always curious about cooking and loved spending time in the kitchen with my grandmother, helping her prepare meals for our family and our beloved pets.

One day, as I was rummaging through my grandmother's old recipe box, I stumbled upon a worn and stained card with the words "Turkey Balls" written in faded ink. Intrigued, I asked my grandmother about the recipe, and she told me that it was a special treat that she had learned to make from a dear friend many years ago.

My grandmother's friend, Mrs. Jenkins, was a kind and gentle woman who had a passion for cooking and a love for animals. She had taught my grandmother many delicious recipes for dogs and cats, and the Turkey Balls recipe was one of her favorites.

Mrs. Jenkins had shared the recipe with my grandmother during one of their weekly visits, and my grandmother had been making it ever since. She explained to me that the Turkey Balls were a nutritious and tasty treat for our pets, made with simple and wholesome ingredients that would keep them healthy and happy.

Excited to try out the recipe for myself, I asked my grandmother if we could make some Turkey Balls for our pets that very day. She smiled and nodded, and together we gathered the ingredients we needed: ground turkey, brown rice, carrots, peas, and a touch of parsley for added flavor.

As we began to prepare the Turkey Balls, my grandmother shared with me the importance of using fresh and quality ingredients when cooking for our pets. She taught me how to mix the ground turkey with the cooked brown rice, finely chopped carrots, peas, and parsley, and how to shape the mixture into small balls that would be easy for our pets to eat.

Once the Turkey Balls were ready, we baked them in the oven until they were golden brown and deliciously fragrant. The aroma filled the kitchen, making my stomach growl in anticipation of tasting the finished dish.

When the Turkey Balls had cooled down, my grandmother and I each took a bite to make sure they tasted just right. They were absolutely delicious – tender and moist, with a burst of flavor from the vegetables and herbs. I couldn't wait to see how our pets would react to this new treat.

That evening, after dinner, we called our pets – a playful dog named Max and a sweet cat named Whiskers – into the kitchen to try the Turkey Balls. Their noses twitched with excitement as they caught a whiff of the savory aroma, and they eagerly devoured the treats in seconds.

Watching Max and Whiskers enjoy the Turkey Balls brought a smile to my face and warmed my heart. I knew then that this recipe was a keeper, one that I would continue to make for our pets for years to come.

Since that day, the Turkey Balls recipe has become a staple in our household, loved by all of our furry friends. I have shared the recipe with other pet owners in the neighborhood, who have all raved about how much their pets enjoy this tasty and nutritious treat.

I am grateful to Mrs. Jenkins for sharing this wonderful recipe with my grandmother, and to my grandmother for passing it down to me. Cooking for our pets brings me so much joy and fulfillment, and I will always cherish the memories of discovering the Turkey Balls recipe for the first time. It is a reminder of the special bond we share with our pets and the love we have for them.