Sunday, June 17, 2012

Make Ahead Meal: Mozzarella Turkey Meatballs


1 lb Italian Sausage, hot or mild depending on your taste (bulk or removed from casings)
1 package ground turkey (usually 1 1/3 lb)
1 1/2 Tbsp fennel seeds
3 Tbsp chopped fresh herbs (I use a combination of rosemary, sage, parsley and basil)
2-3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, finely chopped
salt and pepper to taste (1/2 - 1 tsp of each)
1 container bocconcini, small fresh mozzarella balls packed in water
olive oil for drizzling
1 can crushed tomatoes

Mix everything except the mozzarella and tomatoes with your hands until thoroughly combined. Take a small handful of the sausage mixture (about golf ball size) and flatten it in your hand like a hamburger patty.  Wrap it around a mozzarella ball and roll in your hand until the cheese is fully covered.  Place on a baking sheet and continue until you have approximately 24 balls.  Drizzle with olive oil.  Bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes.  Place the plan drippings in a sauce pan and add the crushed tomatoes.  Reduce for 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens.  Freeze or refrigerate if you're making ahead.  Serve sauce over meatballs. 
*Using the drippings allows you to take advantage of the rich turkey broth and seasoning that is released as the meat cooks.  But it may make the sauce a little greasy so just remove what you can when it cools (the grease will rise to the top).

1 comment:

  1. These look soooo good! I want to come live with you, please!!!

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