Spicy Braised Turkey Meatballs

Ingredients

• Meatballs:
• 1/2 yellow onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons minced Italian parsley
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• Oil, for searing the meatballs
• Sauce:
• 1/2 yellow onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 (24-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herb blend
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• Italian parsley, as garnish

Instructions

1. 1
   To make the meatballs: In a medium bowl, add the onion, garlic cloves, Italian parsley, ground turkey, large egg, salt and crushed red pepper. Mix ingredients together until barely combined. Form balls using your hands (or a cookie scooper—my preferred preference) and set aside. Repeat until you’ve worked your way through all of the meatballs.
2. 2
   In a medium pan, set over medium heat, add a few tablespoons of oil. When hot, sear the meatballs on all sides, in batches if needed. Transfer to a plate or baking sheet and repeat until you’ve worked your way through all of the meatballs.
3. 3
   To make the sauce: In a medium saucepan, set over medium heat, add a teaspoon of olive oil. Add the onion and cook until softened. Add the garlic and tomato sauce and crushed red pepper flakes. Give it a stir and bring to a simmer. Mix in 1/4 cup of water just to loosen the sauce a bit and then salt to taste. Add the meatballs and cover the pot, simmering them for 10 to 15 minutes. Garnish with the Italian parsley and serve. I like to eat these over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. And of course, I really love them over regular ol’ pasta, too.