Spaghetti and Meatballs

Creative title, huh? I wanted to make something special tonight for dinner because it was the first day of school for the three oldest. I know spaghetti and meatballs doesn't seem all that special to most of you, but it is special A) because my kids will actually eat it without complaining and B) it requires me to actually handle raw meat with my bare hands. Ew. I try to avoid doing that whenever I can.

So here you have it...

1 lb. lean ground turkey
2 egg whites
1/2 cup dry Italian style breadcrumbs
1/2 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 TBSP dried parsley flakes
2 tsp. dried basil
1 tsp. black pepper
1/2 cup green puree
1/4 cup ground flaxseed
2 TBSP chia seeds*
1 jar/can low fat marinara sauce
whole wheat spaghetti noodles

Preheat oven broiler. In a large mixing bowl, combine turkey, egg whites, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, parsley, basil, pepper, puree, flaxseed and chia seeds. Mix ingredients thoroughly and shape into meatball shapes. Arrange meatballs on a baking sheet and place under the broiler for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally until they are browned on all sides. In a large saucepan, combine pasta sauce and meatballs. Simmer over low heat about 20 minutes. Prepare spaghetti noodles according to package directions. Serve with low fat Parmesan if desired.

Today I made the meatballs in the early afternoon and then put them and the sauce in the crockpot on low for the rest of the day. Anything to make that evil time of day (the hour before dinner) a little better!

*I added chia seeds to everything I ate today. You can call me your chia pet. I won't be offended.