Mediterranean Rice Bowl

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This Mediterranean Rice Bowl combines juicy ground turkey meatballs with fragrant rice, crunchy cucumbers, and a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce. This dish is perfect for a healthy, flavorful, and filling meal that’s easy to prepare!

Ingredients

For the Ground Turkey Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)

For the Rice:

  • 1 cup basmati or jasmine rice
  • 2 cups water or chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt, to taste

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cucumber, grated
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp fresh dill, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Bowl:

  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or dill, for garnish
  • Lemon wedges (optional)

Instructions

For the Ground Turkey Meatballs:

  1. Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  2. Form the meatballs: Using your hands or a spoon, form the mixture into small meatballs (about 1-1.5 inches in diameter).
  3. Cook the meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through.

For the Rice:

  1. Cook the rice: In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the rice and stir for about 1-2 minutes to toast it lightly.
  2. Simmer: Add the water or chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked. Fluff with a fork and season with salt to taste.

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

  1. Prepare the cucumber: Grate the cucumber and squeeze out any excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
  2. Mix the sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the grated cucumber, Greek yogurt, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, fresh dill, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed. Chill in the fridge until ready to serve.

For the Bowl:

  1. Assemble the bowl: Divide the cooked rice into serving bowls. Add a few turkey meatballs on top of each bowl.
  2. Add toppings: Arrange diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and olives around the meatballs.
  3. Serve: Drizzle with the homemade tzatziki sauce and garnish with fresh parsley or dill. Serve with lemon wedges on the side if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Mediterranean Rice Bowl packed with vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients!

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