Mediterranean Meatballs

Here is another delicious recipe for one of our favorite things to eat. I am afraid, I will be running out of ideas soon for making different kinds meatballs. I realize I can use different kinds of meats, etc but I do love using turkey meat as it is so healthy to eat, especially since I am trying to reduce the amounts of red meat I feed my family.

This particular one has a mixture of sundried tomatoes, garlic, pine nuts and basil. The mixture adds a delicious flavor to the meatballs as well as the sauce. The trick to soft meatballs is the panko breadcrumbs soaked in milk. The meatballs come out melting in the mouth. The sauce is made with fresh cherry tomatoes- super simple to make and the most delicious as well.

Overall, it is a fabulous meal to make. I also made a warm spinach salad and served red wine with dinner- yum!!

• 1 pound ground turkey (dark meat)
• 4 to 5 sundried tomatoes, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1/3 cup pine nuts
• 1 cup basil, chopped

Add the shallot, garlic, into a food processor and process till smooth. Add the sundried tomatoes and basil. Process till smooth and take out into a medium bowl with the turkey.

• ½ cup panko crumbs
• ¼ cup milk

Soak the breadcrumbs in the milk for 15 minutes.

• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoons salt

Add the soaked breadcrumbs, egg and salt into the turkey mixture. Mix with both hands. Keep aside.

Marinara Sauce

• 1 can (28 oz) cherry tomatoes (or any other)- put through the food mill
• 1 small yellow onion, grated
• 2 garlic cloves, grated
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt
• A pinch of sugar

Heat a heavy, wide saucepan with the olive oil. Add the onion and garlic. Saute on medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the tomato sauce, thyme, basil, salt and sugar. Mix well and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and cook for at least 20 minutes.

In the meantime form meatballs (the mixture makes about 14 meatballs). Drop the meatballs into the simmering sauce as you form them. Once all the meatballs are in the saucepan, simmer covered for 15 minutes. Check for seasonings and serve with spaghetti.

1 pound spaghetti, cooked al dente
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons dried basil
2 teaspoons salt

Once the pasta is done, drain it well and place it back into the pan. Add the oil, basil and salt. Mix well and keep ready for the meatballs.

Serve the meatballs on top of the seasoned spaghetti.