Registered dietitian Liz Weiss substitutes turkey for beef, lowering the fat in this healthy spaghetti and meatball recipe. She also amps up the nutrition with garden vegetables and a dash of heart-healthy omega-3 fats.
RECIPE
Makes about 24 Turkey Meatballs (6 Servings)
Ingredients:
1 pound ground turkey
2 to 3 medium carrots (6 ounces), peeled and finely grated (about 2/3 cup)
1 large omega-3 egg
1/2 cup quick-cooking or old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning or 1 tablespoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
One 26-ounce jar pasta sauce
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400¡F. Spray a large baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
2. Combine the turkey, carrots, egg, oats, Parmesan cheese, flaxseed, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper in a large bowl and mix until ingredients are just combined. Shape the meat mixture into twenty four 1 1/2-inch balls. Place them on the baking sheet and cook until lightly browned, 10 minutes. Meanwhile, place the pasta sauce in a large saucepan over medium heat.
3. Cover and bring to a simmer. When the turkey meatballs come out of the oven, add them to the sauce, reduce the heat and simmer, covered, about 20 minutes.
Nutrition:
230 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated; 0.5g omega-3), 730mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate, 2g fiber, 22g protein, 60% vitamin A, 10% vitamin C, 10% calcium, 15% iron