Tomato Sauce with Turkey Meatballs
For the Tomato Sauce
INGREDIENTS
¼ c. extra-virgin olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 Tbsp. tomato paste
¼ tsp. red chili flakes (optional)
2 (28-oz.) cans whole or diced plum tomatoes
2 sprigs basil or 1 bay leaf
1 tsp. dried oregano
½ tsp. kosher salt, or to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper
PREPARATION
1. In a large, straight-sided skillet over medium heat, warm the oil. Add garlic and onion, and cook until just lightly golden. Add tomato paste and toast for about 30 seconds, or 1-2 minutes if using frozen. Add chili flakes if desired and cook 30 seconds.
2. Stir in tomatoes and juices, basil or bay leaf, oregano and salt and pepper.
3. Bring sauce to a simmer and cook until sauce is thick and tomatoes have mostly fallen apart, about 30 to 40 minutes. Adjust heat as needed to keep at a steady simmer. If using whole plum tomatoes, mash them up with the back of a wooden spoon or a potato masher to help them break down. Remove sauce from heat and discard basil or bay leaf.
TNK Tips
Sauce can be made 5 days ahead; cover and chill. Or let cool to room temperature and freeze up to 3 months.
If you have extra tomato paste, scoop out into tablespoon measurements and freeze for future use.
For the Turkey Meatballs
Ingredients
1 pound ground turkey
¼ cup Italian breadcrumbs
¼ cup water
½ onion diced
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 egg
¼ cup parsley chopped
¼ cup parmesan shredded
salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F.
In a medium bowl, mix all ingredients until just combined.
Spray baking sheet or mini cupcake holder with coconut oil.
Shape mixture into 24 meatballs, approximately 1 ½ tablespoons each.
Bake 18-20 minutes or until cooked through. Flip halfway through.
TNK Tips
Freeze cooled meatballs in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in the microwave.
Make a double batch and freeze half.
Using a mini muffin sheet helps to keep balls even in size, and therefore cook evenly.
Use a tablespoon to scoop out even meatballs
