Turkey and Zucchini Meatballs with Orzo and Feta
Ingredients
- 3 large zucchini (about 1½ lbs)
- 1 large shallot (halved)
- 1 lb ground turkey (or chicken)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ½ cup Panko
- 2 tsp parsley
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 4 oz feta
- 1½ tsp ground cumin
- salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 425°
- Cut 2 of the zucchini into ½-inch thick slices. Season with salt and set aside.
- Grate the remaining zucchini and place in a bowl.
- Grate half of the shallot and add to the bowl with the zucchini.
- Add the panko, cumin, ½ tsp of red pepper flakes, and ½ tsp of salt. Toss until combined.
- Add the turkey (or chicken) and herbs and toss until combined.
- Lightly grease a baking sheet. Form the turkey (or chicken) mixture into 16 meatballs and place them on one side of the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 10 minutes.
- Coat the sliced zucchini and drizzle with olive oil. Season with pepper.
- Coarsely chop the remaining shallot half and transfer to a small bowl. Add lemon juice, salt, and stir.
- Remove baking sheet from oven and place the sliced zucchini on the baking sheet (with the meatballs). Bake another 15-20 minutes.
- Cook the orzo based on instructions on the package.
- Add the feta to the shallot mixture with ¼ cup of olive oil and the remaining ½ tsp of red pepper flakes. Stir well and season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Spoon orzo into bowls, topped with meatballs and sliced zucchini. Drizzle with the feta sauce and serve.