Cuban Turkey Meatballs: How to Make This Easy, Healthy Dish

These Cuban meatballs or albóndigas Cubanas made with ground turkey are a low-calorie family-favorite in the Miami home of Patty Morrell-Ruiz. This Floridian is something of a Cuban Martha Stewart, known for her elegant way with Cuban food and entertaining on her website The Mad Table and in her The Essential Cuban Cookbook.

We were in search of light Latino dishes with all the sabor and less calorías. What’s a flavorful family dinner Patty turns to when the holidays are over and it’s time to lose a few libritas so we can fit into our everyday clothing again, por favor? Turns out it’s this healthy and delicioso recipe makeover of one of Patty’s go-tos: Cuban meatballs. The albondigas come together fast for an easy weeknight diner, they transport her back to her Cuban roots, and everyone loves them, she says. “My grandmother always made them for us. They were my grandfather’s and my mom’s favorite,” adds Patty. “My children also love them.”

Find more of Patty’s Cuban dishes and entertaining tips here!