RecipeTurkey Meatballs in Red Pepper-Tomato Sauce

Nutrition Facts
Amount per Serving
  • Calories: 390
  • Protein: 33g
  • Total Fat: 19g
    • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 176mg
  • Total Carbohydrate: 25g
  • Dietary Fiber: 6g
  • Sodium: 536mg
Take Note

Contains Wheat/Gluten

Contains Dairy

Contains Egg

By mixing wheat germ, egg whites, and plain yogurt into lean ground turkey meat, I’m able to boost the vitamin E, selenium, and zinc. Together with bell pepper–tomato sauce — rich in vitamin C and beta carotene — it’s a perfect meal for beautiful skin.

  • Prep time
  • Total Time
This recipe makes 4 Servings
Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup wheat germ
  • 2 egg whites
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 small onions minced
  • 1/2 cup yogurt, fat-free plain
  • 1/4 cup basil, fresh packed, chopped
  • 1 pounds turkey, ground lean (at least 90 percent lean)
  • salt, Kosher
  • pepper, black ground
  • 1 can tomatoes, whole, canned (28 ounces) peeled
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small red bell pepper, minced
  • 1 sprig fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • oil spray
Preparation:

In a large bowl, mix the wheat germ, egg whites, half the garlic, half the onions, the yogurt, and basil. Add the turkey. Season with salt and pepper and mix well. (The mixture will be sticky.) Cover and place in the freezer 20 minutes, for easier handling.

Meanwhile, in a blender or food processor, purée the tomatoes with the water.

In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté the remaining onion and garlic until translucent, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the red pepper, and cook 5 to 6 minutes longer, until the pepper softens slightly. Add the thyme, oregano, and puréed tomatoes, and bring to a low simmer.

Roll the turkey mixture into about 20 meatballs, 2 inches in diameter. Coat a nonstick skillet with nonstick oil spray. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and heat over high heat. In batches, add the meatballs and sauté until they are browned on all sides, 6 to 7 minutes total.

Carefully transfer the meatballs to the tomato sauce as they finish cooking. Simmer, partially covered, about 20 minutes longer, until the meatballs are cooked through. Season with additional salt and pepper. Serve immediately.