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Turkey Ricotta Meatball Sandwich by Stacy     Print this Recipe

Comments

“Delicious!  The cheese melted beautifully when shredded finely.  I would even serve it with the spinach raw for some extra crunch.” (Stacy, mother of 2)

Photos

Preheat

Oven to 350 degrees F

Equipment

Small and medium mixing bowls, baking sheet, large skillet, saucepan

Prep Time

3 min

Cook Time

About 20 min

Number of Servings

6 depending on ages (about 30 one-inch meatballs)

Instructions

1. 3 thin slices whole grain bread (crusts removed if desired)

2. 2 Tbsp lowfat milk

   Tear bread slices into very small pieces. Drizzle milk and mix together.

3. 1 lb ground turkey (no antibiotics)

4. 1/2 cup ricotta cheese

5. 1 egg white

6. 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

7. 1 Tbsp finely chopped rosemary

8. 1 tsp garlic salt

   Mix with soaked bread and form into 1 inch meatballs.

9. 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

   Heat oil in skillet and saute meatballs until cooked through, turning frequently, about 12 minutes.

10. 2 cups marinara sauce (low sodium)

    Warm marinara sauce, add cooked meatballs and toss to coat.

11. 8 oz baby spinach (organic is best!)

    Wilt spinach with 1 Tablespoon of water in a saucepan on the stove.  Spinach can be seasoned with a little salt, garlic, or garlic salt if desired.

12. 6 hoagie rolls, whole grain (try spelt!)

13. 1-2 Tbs extra virgin olive oil

    Slice rolls in half, drizzle with olive oil, and toast in preheated oven for 5 minutes. Remove and add 3-4 meatballs with sauce to each roll.  

14. 1 block (8 oz) Lisanatti Almond Cheeze - Mozzarella Style chunks, finely shredded

    Top with shredded cheese and return to oven for 5 minutes to melt cheese. Add wilted spinach before serving sandwiches. Serve warm.

Options

Use your favorite tomato sauce, but watch out for high sodium or artificial ingredients.  Make smaller meatballs for kids, if needed.  For easier prep use a cookie scoop to shape the meatballs.  Bake them on a parchment lined baking sheet for 25-30 minutes.  If you don’t have fresh rosemary, use 1 tsp dried.  For more of a "pizza" taste use oregano instead of rosemary.  To lower sodium, use 1/2-1 tsp garlic powder instead of garlic salt and reduce Parmesan cheese to 1/4 cup.  Use the whole egg - the yolk provides choline for developing brains!

Grocery List

• Whole grain bread
• Lowfat milk
• 1 lb ground turkey (no antibiotics)
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• Egg
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh or dried rosemary
• Garlic salt
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Marinara sauce (low sodium)
• Baby spinach (organic is best!)
• Hoagie rolls, whole grain
• 1 block (8 oz) Lisanatti Almond Cheeze - Mozzarella Style

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