Turkey Meatballs with Marinara Sauce

Who doesn’t love meatballs in basil-scented tomato sauce? But who would have thought that they could still be on the family table when you are trying to eat healthfully? These are so juicy and satisfying that you won’t need the pasta. The recipe makes fairly large meatballs with a generous amount of sauce, allowing for a single ball per serving. Trust me, one will be plenty and you’ll have extra for tomorrow.

Marinara Sauce:

3 tablespoons olive oil

½ cup finely chopped shallots

6 large garlic cloves, finely chopped

4 large sprigs of fresh thyme

1 bay leaf

½ cup dry white wine

Two 28-ounce cans whole tomatoes, undrained

½ cup loosely packed torn fresh basil leaves

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Meatballs:

1 1/2 cups cubed (3/4-inch) crustless Italian or French bread (about 2 ounces)

2/3 cup reduced-fat (2%) milk

5 large garlic cloves, finely chopped

1/3 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

2 teaspoons kosher salt

1 1/2 teaspoons sweet paprika

1 large egg

2 pounds ground turkey

¼ cup olive oil

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

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Directions

PREP TIME

MINS

COOKING TIME

MINS

Serves

To make the marinara sauce:

Heat a wide heavy pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil, then add the shallots and garlic and cook, stirring often, for about 2 minutes, or until tender but not browned. Add the thyme, bay leaf, and wine, then add the tomatoes. Crush them with a potato masher to break them up.

Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium low and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 25 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced slightly and the flavors are well blended. Discard the thyme stems and bay leaf. Stir in the basil. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

To make the meatballs:

In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes and milk. Set aside for about 5 minutes, or until the bread is soggy. Using your hands, mash the bread mixture. Add the shallots, garlic, parsley, thyme, mustard, salt, paprika, and egg and mix until blended. Add the turkey and, using your hands, gently mix until blended. The mixture will be soft, which will ensure tender meatballs. Form the mixture into 8 large meatballs.

Heat a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil. Working in batches, add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, for about 12 minutes per batch, or until browned all over. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a plate.

When the sauce is ready, add the meatballs and simmer for about 5 minutes more, or until the meatballs are cooked through, with no sign of pink.

Spoon the meatballs and tomato sauce into serving bowls. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve hot.