Turkey Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Recipe courtesy of Inspired Taste.

Ingredients:
Tomato Basil Sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Two 28-ounce cans crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 large basil sprig plus 2 tablespoons torn basil leaves

Turkey Meatballs
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
1/2 cup milk
1 egg

1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
2 tablespoons chopped parsley, chopped
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 pound ground turkey (93% lean)

Directions:
In a large skillet with sides, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes then cook 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in tomatoes and tomato paste then bring to a simmer. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt, and add basil spring. Allow sauce to simmer gently while preparing meatballs.

To make meatballs, combine panko breadcrumbs and milk in a large bowl, and then let sit 5 minutes.

Add egg, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, parsley, oregano and salt to bowl. Stir until combined.
Next, add turkey then use a fork or fingers to mix everything together until barely combined. For tender meatballs, try not to over mix.

Wet your hands and form mixture into 1-inch meatballs. This should make about 24 meatballs.Gently drop meatballs into tomato sauce. (It’s okay if some are not completely covered by the sauce). Cover skillet with a lid and cook 20 minutes then gently shimmy or shake the skillet to move the meatballs around a little. Cook another 5 to 10 minutes or until turkey is cooked through. Before serving, scatter about 2 tablespoons of torn basil leaves over meatballs and sauce.