Zucchini and Turkey Meatballs with Tomato Sauce
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
For the turkey meatballs:
1 pound ground turkey
1 medium zucchini, grated and excess moisture squeezed out
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste 
For the tomato sauce:
2 cups crushed tomatoes (preferably no-sugar-added)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, grated zucchini, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
3. Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until fully cooked through and browned on the outside.
5. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the tomato sauce. In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
6. Pour the crushed tomatoes into the saucepan and stir in dried basil, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
7. Once the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven and gently add them to the simmering tomato sauce. Let them cook together for an additional 5 minutes for the flavors to combine.
8. Serve the turkey meatballs with tomato sauce hot, optionally garnished with fresh basil or a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious and diabetic-friendly dinner!
