Turkey Meatballs

from Genius Kitchen. I've never put in the celery and don't miss it. Also fun to put in some fresh mozzarella for a cheesy time. And of course crushed red peppers.

(26 ounce) jar of marinara sauce

1 1⁄3 lbs lean ground turkey

2 -3 large celery ribs

2 -3 medium carrots

1⁄2 medium-large yellow onion

3 garlic cloves, minced

olive oil flavored cooking spray

1⁄3 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs (could be Panko)

1⁄4 cup pecorino romano cheese, grated

2 -3 teaspoons garlic powder

2 -3 teaspoons onion powder

2 -3 teaspoons dried oregano

2 -3 teaspoons dried basil

1 tablespoon dried parsley

generous amounts salt & pepper

1. Begin by heating the tomato sauce over a low heat, covered, in a medium to large pot.

2. While sauce is heating, dice celery, carrots and onion; add to a large bowl. Generously sprinkle with salt and pepper and toss to combine. Mince the garlic and set aside. I like putting all the veg into a food processor to save on cutting time and get a smoother texture.

 
3. In a medium skillet, heat cooking spray on medium heat. Once the pan is hot, add diced vegetables and minced garlic and sauté until vegetables start to soften and onions become translucent (about 5 - 7 minutes). Once soft, remove from heat and pour into the same large bowl, completely emptying skillet (reserve skillet). Let stand 5-10 minutes to cool slightly.

4. To the vegetables, add the breadcrumbs, cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, parsley, salt and pepper. Mix all ingredients using a spoon, then add the meat. Combine with your hands, being careful not to over-knead while evenly incorporating all ingredients (if mixture seems slightly too wet, sprinkle in a little more breadcrumbs or cheese). Form meatballs into balls about 1 1/2 - 1 3/4" in diameter, and set aside on a piece of wax paper. Repeat with remaining meat mixture (should make around 14 - 18 or so meatballs).

5. To the same skillet*, add more cooking spray and heat on medium heat. Once hot, add meatballs, being careful not to overcrowd skillet (work in batches, if needed). Sear meatballs 3-5 minutes per side, gently flipping with tongs. Once both sides have seared, add par-cooked meatballs to your pot of sauce, cover. Repeat with remaining meatballs.

6. Simmer meatballs in sauce, covered until cooked through.

* Though pan-searing the meatballs is the way to get the best results, if this is too labor-intensive or time consuming, you can par-bake the meatballs in the oven instead. After rolling the meat mixture into balls, place all of the balls 1/2"-1" apart on a baking sheet lined with foil and sprayed with cooking spray. Cook the meatballs for 15-30 minutes at 350º, flipping halfway through, then add them to the pot of sauce.