Turkey Balls Seared in Duck Fat and Finished in the Oven

Turkey Balls Seared in Duck Fat and Finished in the Oven

Ingredients:

• For the Turkey Balls:

  • 1 lb ground turkey 🦃

  • 1/2 lb Italian sausage 🐖 (preferably mild, but can use spicy if you like a kick)

  • 1/2 cup Parmigiano Romano cheese 🧀 (grated)

  • 1 large egg 🥚

  • 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream (HWC)

  • 2 tbsp powdered bone broth 🦴 (or regular broth if you don’t have powdered)

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

  • 1 tsp dried sage

  • 1 tsp dried thyme

  • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1/2 medium onion, finely diced

• For Cooking:

  • 3-4 tbsp duck fat 🦆 (for searing)

• Optional Garnish:

  • Fresh thyme or sage leaves (for garnish)

  • Additional grated Parmigiano Romano (for topping)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the mixture:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, Italian sausage, grated Parmigiano Romano, egg, heavy whipping cream, and powdered bone broth.

   • Add salt, pepper, sage, thyme, minced garlic, and diced onion to the mixture.

   • Use your hands or a spoon to thoroughly mix everything together until it’s well-combined. You want a sticky, but firm consistency. If it’s too wet, you can add a bit more Parmigiano Romano or a tablespoon of breadcrumbs (optional, not necessary if you want to keep it low-carb).

3. Form the turkey balls:
   Use your hands to form the mixture into meatballs, about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter. You should get around 12-14 meatballs, depending on the size.

4. Sear the turkey balls:

   • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 3-4 tablespoons of duck fat.

   • Once the duck fat is melted and hot, add the turkey balls in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.

   • Sear each side of the meatballs for about 2-3 minutes, until they’re golden brown. You’re looking for a nice crispy crust on the outside.

5. Finish cooking in the oven:

   • Once seared, transfer the turkey balls to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased baking dish.

   • Place the meatballs in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).

6. Serve:

   • Once done, remove the turkey balls from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.

   • Garnish with fresh thyme or sage leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmigiano Romano, if desired.

7. Enjoy!
   Serve the turkey balls with your favorite sides, like roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad!

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Pro Tip: For an extra flavor boost, you can drizzle a little extra duck fat on the turkey balls before serving. If you have any extra sauce or gravy, it would be a delicious addition on the side.

Happy cooking, and enjoy your Thanksgiving feast! 🍽🦃