Albóndigas de Pavo en Chipotle (Turkey Meatballs in Chipotle Broth)
Mint-flecked turkey and rice meatballs poached in a smoky chipotle tomato broth.
Made with Chipotle in adobo sauce (homemade) and Basic tomato sauce and Homemade chicken stock. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time55 min
- LevelMedium
- Costabout £2.34 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Mix the turkey, uncooked rice, egg, mint, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt and pepper. Shape into 24 small balls.
- 2
Heat the oil in a large pot over a medium heat. Cook the carrots for 4 minutes.
4 min - 3
Add your ready made basic tomato sauce (see the base recipe), your ready made chipotle adobo sauce (see the base recipe) and your homemade chicken stock (see the base recipe). Bring to a simmer.
- 4
Lower the meatballs in gently, one at a time. Simmer with a lid on for 20 minutes, turning once.
20 min - 5
Add the courgettes and cook for 8 minutes more, until the rice in the meatballs is soft and the turkey is cooked through with no pink.
8 min - 6
Taste for salt. Ladle into bowls and top with coriander and lime wedges.
Tips
- Use raw rice in the meatballs. It swells as it cooks and keeps them tender.
- Do not stir hard once the meatballs go in or they break up.
- Start with half the chipotle and add more to taste.
Storing and freezing
Cool within 90 minutes and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for 3 months. Reheat until steaming hot all the way through.
Questions
Can I use beef or pork mince?
Yes. A mix of beef and pork is traditional. Use the same amounts and cook until there is no pink in the middle.
Is it very spicy?
Medium. Chipotle gives smoke more than heat. Use 30 ml for mild.
Can I leave out the mint?
Yes, but mint (hierbabuena) is typical and adds freshness. Use coriander in the mix if you do not have mint.
More made with chipotle in adobo sauce (homemade)
Torta de Pollo con Chipotle (Mexican Chipotle Chicken Sandwich)
DFNFSopa de Papa con Chipotle (Mexican Potato Soup with Smoky Chipotle)
GFEFNFCaldo Tlalpeno (Chicken, Chickpea and Chipotle Soup)
GFNFEFPescado Zarandeado con Tortillas (Chipotle Grilled Butterflied Fish)
DFEFNFDouble check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.