by Jennifer Goodwin Haigler

Created on: July 23, 2009

Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Turkey Meatballs and Homemade Marinara

I invented this recipe for my husband who is a total health nut. I love comfort food and spaghetti and meatballs is very comforting to me so I had to make it in a way he would eat it .It turned out to be very fresh tasting and very flavorful.

1. Start out with the Marinara: 1 small onion, 2 carrots, and 2 stalks of celery all diced. Heat a nice sized pot over med to med-high heat. Add olive oil to coat the bottom then thrown in the onions, carrots, and celery. When this has sauteed a bit and the onions are translucent add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Seasoning with salt and pepper as you go. At this point if you like a little heat you could add a tablespoon of chili flakes, if not don't. Saute with the garlic in briefly then add 1 QT of tomatoes of your choice stir together then let come to a boil and reduce to a simmer. The sauce will need to cook down for at least 20 minutes. When it has cooked down take an emulsion blender and blend it up to break down the pieces of vegetables until it is fairly smooth. You will be adding the meatballs to this when they are ready.

2. For the Meatballs: 1 lb ground turkey, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 egg, 1/4c warm water, 1/4c grated Parmesan cheese, 2T Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Bring all of this together in a mixing bowl and portion out into balls, you could used a small cookie scoop, your hands, two spoons etc. Heat a deep skillet over med-high and cover bottom with olive oil. Cook meatballs, turning to brown all sides, in batches so the skillet is not over crowded.

When meatballs are done add them to the sauce and cook off your pasta leaving the sauce to simmer on low. I like any whole wheat pasta for this but spaghetti is the tradition.

When serving top cooked pasta with the sauce and meatballs and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese.

Serve with your favorite garlic bread, prefferably whole wheat and enjoy woth your favorite red wine.

This dish is loaded with fiber, antioxidants, and lean protein.

Enjoy!

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