Noni’s Turkey Meatballs

Years ago for some reason, I decided to make meatballs out of ground turkey instead of ground beef, veal, and pork. Why? I don't know, I was probably on some health kick. Wow am I so GLAD I did, these are so much lighter than a traditional meatball and yes they are healthier, but the flavor in my mind is just better. My family loves them so this is the only way I make them now.

You will need:

1 lb ground turkey ( do NOT get all white meat)

1 egg

1 cup of seasoned panko bread crumbs

1/3 cup grated pecorino or parmesan

4 garlic cloves

Handful of parsley

Slice of red onion

Tbsp of olive oil

Splash of red wine if you have some open ( if you don't open some anyway and you can use this recipe as an excuse to have a glass or two…like you need one )

Tsp of salt and a tsp of pepper

Cooking spray ( I used avocado as it browns nicely, but any kind is fine)

Finely chop the garlic, onion, and parsley and put them in a large bowl. Add the egg, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix with a spoon, then add the bread crumbs and grated cheese. Mix until combined then add the ground turkey. Using your hands knead everything until fully mixed.

Heat oven to 375. Line baking sheets with foil. Make golf ball size meatballs, spray the cooking on your hands, and roll them into balls, placing each on the foil-lined pans. Bake for 35- 40 minutes, gently turning them halfway to ensure even cooking and browning.

Look at how luscious these are, without having frying in oil. I serve these with my Sunday Sauce ( there is always some in the freezer) or Pomodoro Sauce ( weeknight sauce).