We only rarely eat red meat at home, so I often substitute ground turkey in recipes that call for ground beef.  Sometimes the result can be dry or flavorless, but not so here.  I have yet to meet the child who does not love these meatballs (shown below atop whole wheat rotini and served with garlic bread):

The recipe is from Bon Apetit’s Fast, Easy, Fresh, one of my go-to cookbooks for reliable, quick recipes.  I’m giving you double measurements here, as the original recipe is intended to serve two people, and I add my cooking notes as well:

• 1 lb. ground turkey (ground breast is OK here, as you’re going to be adding some fat back in, although you can use ground thighs as well)
• 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs (Yeah, I know that’s a lot, but just go with it.  And use fresh crumbs if possible.)
• 5 TBS purchased pesto (I like Buitoni’s all natural brand)
• 2 egg whites (meatballs will be lighter and more tender if only whites are used, but I’ve used the whole egg and that’s fine, too)
• 1/2 tsp salt

Mix the ingredients in a bowl, then moisten hands and form into meatballs.  Simmer them in your tomato sauce over medium-low until thoroughly cooked.

According to my son, his friends vie for a taste of these when he gets leftovers in his Thermos.  Let me know if they’re as popular with your kids, too.

Tagged as: Fast Easy Fresh, pesto, TLT's Table, turkey meatballs