Pistachio-Turkey Meatballs in Orange Sauce

Name: Pistachio-Turkey Meatballs in Orange Sauce
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4-1/2 dozen.
Cuisine: Greek Appetizers, Greek Recipes
Ingredients: 2/3 cup chopped pistachios; 2 green onions, finely chopped; 1/4 cup dry bread crumbs; 1 large egg, lightly beaten; 1 teaspoon grated orange zest; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon pepper; 1 pound ground turkey; 1 Italian sausage link (4 ounces), casing removed; SAUCE:; 3 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/4 cup finely chopped sweet red pepper; 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 2 tablespoons white wine; 4 teaspoons cornstarch; 1 cup orange juice; 1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth; 1 tablespoon honey; 1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest; 1 tablespoon minced fresh basil; 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios

Pistachios and a bright, spicy orange sauce flavored with honey and basil make these mini-meatballs a real party favorite. — Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota

Ingredients

2/3 cup chopped pistachios
2 green onions, finely chopped
1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 pound ground turkey
1 Italian sausage link (4 ounces), casing removed
SAUCE:
3 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup finely chopped sweet red pepper
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons white wine
4 teaspoons cornstarch
1 cup orange juice
1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest
1 tablespoon minced fresh basil
2 tablespoons chopped pistachios

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°. In a large bowl, combine the first seven ingredients. Add turkey and sausage; mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 1-in. balls.
Place meatballs on greased racks in shallow baking pans. Bake 18-20 minutes or until cooked through.
In a large skillet, heat butter and oil over medium heat. Add red pepper and pepper flakes; cook and stir 2-3 minutes or until red pepper is tender. Add wine; cook 1 minute longer.
In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch, orange juice, broth, honey and orange zest until blended. Stir into pan. Bring to a boil; cook and stir 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in basil and meatballs. Sprinkle with pistachios.

Nutrition Facts

1 meatball: 49 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 66mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.

Originally published as Italian Pistachio Meatballs in Honey-Orange Sauce in Taste of Home November 2013

Reviews

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Average Rating:

ejshellabarger

Jan 8, 2015

While the meatballs themselves taste fine, I didn't care for the orange sauce at all. I brought the dish to the potluck anyways and I was shocked at how many people liked the dish. I was told the recipe reminded them of thai food. So, while I won't make it again because I didn't like the dish, I was happy that the meatballs were gobbled up by those who enjoyed the unique flavors.
gailkurp

Jan 6, 2014

These were really different and everyone enjoyed them! There is a lot of flavors going on with this dish, but it all came together in a nice way. It needed a few tweaks - I increased the salt and added soy sauce to both the meatballs and the sauce and it gave this dish the depth it needed. Will definitely make again.