Sweet and Sour Turkey Meatballs

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Carmel Market (Shuk HaCarmel)

📍 Where this dish comes from: Tel Aviv, Israel · Carmel Market (Shuk HaCarmel)
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Sweet and Sour Turkey Meatballs, plated and ready to serve

Sweet and sour meatballs are practically a genre unto themselves in American Jewish cooking, showing up at nearly every holiday potluck and synagogue fundraiser for generations. This version keeps the same tangy-sweet balance without the grape jelly and bottled chili sauce most classic versions rely on.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients for Sweet and Sour Turkey Meatballs

Sweet and Sour Turkey Meatballs

Tender turkey meatballs simmered in a tangy-sweet sauce, a fixture of holiday tables and community cookbooks alike.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Jewish
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 290kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lbs ground turkey
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup almond flour
  • 1/2 onion grated
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 3 tbsp granulated sugar substitute
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  • Combine ground turkey, egg, almond flour, and grated onion in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper and mix gently. Shape into 1 1/2-inch meatballs.
  • In a large skillet, combine crushed tomatoes, vinegar, sugar substitute, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer.
  • Gently add the meatballs to the sauce.
  • Cover and simmer 20–25 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through, turning occasionally.
  • Serve hot, spooned generously with sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 290kcal | Protein: 24g | Fat: 17g | Fiber: 2g
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Cooking Sweet and Sour Turkey Meatballs in the kitchen

Health Benefits

  • Ground turkey provides lean protein with less saturated fat than a beef-based meatball.
  • A sugar-free sauce keeps the classic tangy-sweet flavor without the carb load of a traditional jelly-based version.
  • A make-ahead friendly dish that holds up well for a holiday buffet table.

Pairs Well With

  • Israeli Roasted Eggplant
  • Fennel and Orange Salad
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