Chiftele (Romanian Meatballs)

Chiftele are the Romanian version of a meatball and can be flat or round. They’re normally made with ground pork, which is high in fat, but this recipe is made with lean ground turkey. After the patties are formed you roll them in flour and fry them up! Oh yes, they’re fried, so you know they’ll be delicious! Parsley gives them a traditional Romanian taste but you can also substitute in dill and still get a wonderful flavor. These are best eaten with a Dijon style mustard as an appetizer or as the star of your meal. Normal side dishes include mashed potatoes or rice and cabbage salad has always been a favorite in my family.

Yield about 30

Ingredients

• 1 – 20 oz package lean ground turkey
• 1 shredded potato
• 1 small onion (chopped)
• 2 garlic cloves (chopped)
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 1 egg
• Salt
• Pepper
• Flour
• Vegetable oil

Directions

1. In a large bowl mix your ground turkey, shredded potato, onion, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Add your egg and continue to mix. The best way to do this is to get a little dirty and use your hands! Once everything is mixed well you can start to form little balls.
2. Heat up about 1/2 inch oil at the bottom of a large pan on medium heat.
3. Once your balls are formed, roll them in flour and flatten them out but keep them round. Place in heated oil. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until they are browned.
4. Your pan won’t be big enough to cook all of them at once, so continue the same procedure until you are finished.
5. Serve warm with Dijon mustard or with mashed potatoes and a salad!

Ground Turkey Puff Pastry Pies

I have to give credit to my amazing mom for this recipe. She’s made this and variations of this recipe all throughout my childhood. It’s filled with delicious flavor and not to mention the puff pastry just melts in your mouth. It’s a perfect snack in the middle of the day and it’ll WOW your guests at a dinner party! I highly recommend trying this for yourself, you won’t be sorry!

Ingredients

• 1 package of ground turkey (about 1 lb)
• Olive oil
• 2 eggs
• 1 chopped onion
• 1 package of puff pastry (about 1/2 lb)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon flour
• Salt, pepper, and dill to taste

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line a sheet pan with aluminum foil.
2. Preheat a skillet on medium heat and add olive oil. Next, add the onion and pinch of salt and saute until onion turns a translucent color. Add ground turkey and cook thoroughly. Remove skillet from heat and let the turkey cool down to room temperature.
3. Once the mixture is cool, add 1 egg, sour cream, flour, parsley and spices to taste and mix all together.
4. Cut the puff pastry into 4 equal rectangular pieces. Spoon mixture onto on side of rectangle and flip the other side over. Use a fork to press down on the edges, pinching the puff pastry together. Repeat for the other three rectangles.
5. Whisk the other egg in a small bowl and add 1 tablespoon of water. Brush egg wash over the puff pastries.
6. Bake for about 40 minutes or until browned.