From the Cook
1/2
Mediterranean Meatball and Orzo Bowls
Instructions
1
Make the meatballs: In a medium bowl, gently stir together the ground turkey, panko, egg, garlic, lemon zest, dill for meatballs, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Shape mixture into 12 equal meatballs, each a mounded 2 tablespoons.
2
Begin heating a large pot of water.
3
Heat the olive oil for meatballs in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until the meatballs are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 10 minutes (cut to check). Set aside and keep warm.
4
While the meatballs brown, cook the orzo in boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain, transfer to a bowl, and stir in the olive oil for orzo. Remove some orzo for the children’s plates. Add the lemon juice and dill for orzo to the remaining orzo, and toss to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
5
For the children’s plates, place the plain orzo, meatballs, and desired vegetables (from the tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and red onion) on their plates. Serve with a side of tzatziki sauce. For the adults' plates, divide the seasoned orzo evenly between serving bowls. Top with tzatziki and meatballs. Toss together the tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and onion and serve with orzo and meatballs.
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Tips & Tricks (5)
- Chill Your Meatball Mixture 🧊Refrigerate the meat mixture for at least 30 minutes before shaping to help the meatballs hold together better and cook more evenly without falling apart during searing.
- Brown First, Then Finish 🔥Sear meatballs on high heat for 2-3 minutes per side to develop a golden crust, then finish cooking in a 375°F oven for 10-12 minutes to ensure they're cooked through without becoming dry.
- Double-Zest Your Lemon 🍋Use fresh lemon zest in the meatball mixture AND add extra zest to the tzatziki or drizzle as a finishing touch to amplify the bright, Mediterranean flavor throughout the bowl.
- Season Your Orzo Water Generously 🍝Cook orzo in well-salted boiling water (like pasta water) and finish with a drizzle of quality extra-virgin olive oil to infuse the pasta with flavor that complements the meatballs perfectly.
- Build Customizable Bowl Stations 🥣Serve meatballs and orzo separately from toppings (cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, tzatziki) so picky eaters can assemble their own bowls with only preferred ingredients without wasting food.
Recipe Facts
Diet at a Glance
Low Sugar
My Calorie Intake
Smart Nutrition 
Nutrition Per Serving
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Glycemic Analysis
Glycemic Index
Glycemic Load
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