Turkey Meatballs with a Minted Yogurt Dipping Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 small red onion, very finely chopped
• 1 scallion, finely chopped
• 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1/2 cup dried bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 egg
• 1 egg yolk
• 4 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt, plus a pinch
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus 1/8 teaspoon
• 1 1/4 cups plain whole milk yogurt, preferably Greek, drained overnight in a cheesecloth-lined fine mesh sieve
• 1 lemon, zest finely grated and juiced

Directions

Place the turkey in a medium mixing bowl and set aside. Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a small skillet and, when hot, saute the red onion and scallions until softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Let cool slightly, then add to the turkey, along with the garlic, cumin, bread crumbs, heavy cream, egg and egg yolk, 3 tablespoons of the mint, the parsley, 1 teaspoon of the salt and 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly. Using a small scoop or spoon, divide the mixture into 1 tablespoon portions and roll into smooth round balls. Place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, about 1 hour.

While the meatballs are chilling, make the dipping sauce. Combine the yogurt, remaining 1 tablespoon of mint, remaining 1/4 teaspoon plus a pinch of salt, remaining1/8 teaspoon of pepper, and lemon zest, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and lemon juice and whisk to combine. Refrigerate until ready to serve the meatballs.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Brush the meatballs with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and bake until browned and cooked through, about 10 minutes.

Let the meatballs cool slightly, then serve warm, with the yogurt dipping sauce.

Yield: About 5 1/2 dozen bite-size meatballs, generous 1 cup sauce, serving 6 to 8