Turkey Meatballs with Lemon Basil Spinach Pesto.

 

Despite having photography issues, I will forge on.  This was such a well-received meal last night – my kids were still talking about it this morning.  No, no leftovers so someone may be disappointed  tonight.  Meatballs & pasta are always a hit with kids or adults.  Great because you can make these ahead of time and just boil your pasta and toss with the pesto before serving.  Super easy.

Ingredients:

Turkey meatballs

1 pound of organic lean (95% lean) ground turkey
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 of a yellow onion, finely diced
1 tablespoon of dried parsley or 10-12 fresh leaves, minced
1 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano or I used a handful of fresh lemon oregano minced
1 egg
1/2 cup of Panko bread crumbs

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Spray your broiler pan with olive oil and set aside.  Also, get a fry pan and add a few “glugs” of oil to it (2 tablespoons) and get that hot over a medium flame.  In your stand mixer, paddle attached, add all of the ingredients and blend until incorporated.  Using a melon baller, start scooping the meat and rolling it in the palm of your hands.  Once in a ball shape, gently add to the fry pan and get a nice crust on the outside.  Then place on the broiler pan.  Once you have repeated and finished rolling all of the meat, place the broiler pan in the oven to bake for about 10-12 minutes or until cooked through.

Store in an air-tight container until needed.

Pesto:

Ingredients:

2 cloves garlic, peeled
1 cup of fresh spinach leaves
1/2 cup of fresh basil leaves
Zest from one lemon
Juice from one lemon
3 tablespoons of olive oil (you may need more)
1/3 cup of walnuts or pine nuts
1 teaspoon salt
Fresh ground pepper

Directions:

To you food processor or Vitamix, add the garlic and chop until finely diced up.  Then add the remaining ingredients.  Add additional olive oil if you want a looser consistency.  Taste and adjust the salt and pepper.

Cook your favorite pasta according to package directions.  Drain and then to the hot pot, add the pasta, pesto and meatballs.  Cover and heat until hot throughout.  Serve and enjoy!

 

 

 

— Knead to Cook