Skillet Turkey Meatballs With Lemon Rice - cooking recipe

Ingredients

MEATBALLS
1 1/2 lbs ground turkey
2 tablespoons milk
1/4 cup dry breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs)
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly grated lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
1 tablespoon olive oil
RICE
1 1/2 cups long grain rice
2 garlic cloves (finely minced)
3/4 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste if needed)
3 1/4 cups low sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly grated lemon zest
1/2 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated)

Preparation

For the meatballs, in a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, milk, bread crumbs, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and parsley until well-combined. Roll into about 16 meatballs (about 1-2 inches in diameter).
Heat the tablespoon olive oil in a large 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot and rippling. Add the meatballs in a single layer and brown on each side. No need to cook through here as they will finish cooking with the rice; cook until just golden.
Carefully scoop the meatballs out of the skillet onto a paper towel-lined plate and return the skillet to medium heat (wiping out any excess grease - leaving just a tiny bit for the rice).
Add the rice to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the edges of the rice start to turn translucent. Add the garlic and salt and cook for another minute. Stir in the broth, lemon juice and lemon zest and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Gently nestle the meatballs back into the rice mixture and cover the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and cook until the rice is tender and the meatballs are cooked through, about 18-20 minutes.
Remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 or so minutes. Uncover and sprinkle with Parmesan and additional fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.