Turkey Meatball Grinders

Turkey Meatball Grinders Recipe with Italian Flavors

Region / culture: Italy | Servings: 4

Introduction

Turkey Meatball Grinders are a delicious and satisfying meal that combines juicy turkey meatballs with a flavorful tomato sauce, all served on a crusty Italian bread. This recipe is perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner, and is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

History

The origins of the Turkey Meatball Grinder recipe can be traced back to Italian-American cuisine, where meatballs are a popular dish. This recipe puts a twist on the classic meatball sub by using lean ground turkey instead of beef, making it a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients

Tomato sauce

3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, halved, and slivered
1 green bell pepper, cored, seeded, halved, and slivered
2 cloves garlic, peeled and slightly bruised
2 cans (28 oz / 794 g each) Italian plum tomatoes, drained and chopped, juice reserved
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 tsp dried oregano
a pinch of sugar
salt and black pepper to taste
0.25 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley

Turkey meatballs

2 lb (907 g) ground turkey
1 medium onion, grated
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp fennel seeds
salt and coarsely ground black pepper to taste
1 egg yolk, lightly beaten (or use 1 egg white or 2 tbsp of egg substitute)
2 tbsp olive oil, for frying
3 italian breads, about 15 inches long and 3 inches wide

How to prepare

Tomato sauce

Heat olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium-low heat.
Add onion, bell peppers, and garlic; cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add tomatoes along with 1 cup of reserved juices, tomato paste, oregano, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
Cook for 25 minutes.
Mash the garlic in the pot and adjust the seasonings.
Stir in the parsley and set the sauce aside.

Turkey meatballs

Mix all the ingredients, except oil, together in a bowl.
Form the mixture into 24 meatballs, each about 1.5 inches in diameter.
(See note 1 below) Heat 2 tbsp oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat and cook the meatballs in batches, shaking the pan occasionally, for about 10 to 12 minutes or until browned and cooked through.
Add more oil if necessary.
Remove the meatballs to paper towels to drain.
Place the tomato sauce over medium heat to warm through.
Add the meatballs and cook for 10 to 12 minutes.
To serve, spoon about 0.25 cup of the sauce into each piece of bread or roll, coating the interior well.
Insert 3 meatballs into each and serve immediately.

Variations

Use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey for a different flavor.
Add grated Parmesan cheese to the meatball mixture for extra richness.
Top the grinders with melted mozzarella cheese before serving.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the meatballs in batches to ensure they brown evenly and cook through properly.

- Grating the onion for the meatballs helps to keep them moist and adds flavor.

- Adjust the seasonings of the tomato sauce to suit your taste preferences.

- Warm the tomato sauce before adding the meatballs to ensure they are heated through.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Turkey Meatball Grinders with a side salad or a bowl of soup for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the meatballs in a skillet before adding them to the sauce helps to develop flavor.

- Simmering the meatballs in the tomato sauce allows them to absorb the flavors of the sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey.

- Substitute fresh herbs for dried herbs for a more vibrant flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

The meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before cooking.

- The tomato sauce can also be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Turkey Meatball Grinders on a platter with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color. - Cut the grinders into smaller pieces for a party appetizer.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Turkey Meatball Grinders with a glass of red wine or a cold beer for a satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Turkey Meatball Grinders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Turkey Meatball Grinders contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Turkey Meatball Grinders contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Turkey Meatball Grinders contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Turkey Meatball Grinders contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Turkey Meatball Grinders are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat (from the bread) and eggs.

Summary

Turkey Meatball Grinders are a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Turkey Meatball Grinders are a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner. With juicy turkey meatballs, flavorful tomato sauce, and crusty Italian bread, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I discovered this recipe for Turkey Meatball Grinders. It was a hot summer day, and I had just finished helping my Aunt Rose with her gardening. We were both exhausted and hungry, so she invited me into her cozy kitchen for a late lunch.

As soon as I walked in, the aroma of simmering tomato sauce and garlic hit my nose, making my mouth water. Aunt Rose had a huge pot bubbling on the stove, and she was busy shaping meatballs from a mixture of ground turkey, breadcrumbs, and seasonings.

I watched her work with fascination, asking her questions about the ingredients and techniques she was using. Aunt Rose smiled and explained that this recipe was passed down from her mother, who learned it from her own mother. It was a family favorite that always brought everyone together at the dinner table.

After shaping the meatballs, Aunt Rose browned them in a skillet before adding them to the pot of sauce to finish cooking. The whole process took time and patience, but the end result was well worth it.

As we sat down to eat our Turkey Meatball Grinders on crusty Italian bread, I couldn't believe how delicious they were. The tender meatballs, rich tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese all came together in a perfect harmony of flavors.

I begged Aunt Rose to teach me how to make the recipe, and she gladly agreed. Over the next few months, I visited her kitchen regularly, learning the ins and outs of making the perfect Turkey Meatball Grinders.

I learned the importance of using fresh ingredients, from the ground turkey to the garlic and herbs. Aunt Rose taught me how to season the meatballs just right, so they were flavorful and moist. She also showed me how to make the tomato sauce from scratch, simmering it low and slow to develop the rich, deep flavors.

But the most important lesson Aunt Rose imparted to me was the value of sharing food with loved ones. She told me that cooking was not just about nourishing our bodies, but also our souls. It was a way to show love and care for those we shared a meal with.

As I mastered the recipe for Turkey Meatball Grinders, I started making them for my own family. They quickly became a favorite, just like they had been in Aunt Rose's household for generations.

I shared the recipe with my friends, who were always impressed by the flavors and textures of the dish. They marveled at how something so simple could be so delicious.

Over the years, I continued to make Turkey Meatball Grinders, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. I added a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, or substituted fresh basil for the dried herbs.

But no matter how I changed the recipe, the memory of Aunt Rose shaping meatballs in her kitchen always stayed with me. It was a reminder of the love and care that went into every dish I cooked, and the joy of sharing good food with good company.

And so, every time I make Turkey Meatball Grinders, I think of Aunt Rose and the lessons she taught me in her kitchen. I remember the smells, the tastes, and the laughter that filled the room as we enjoyed a simple, but delicious meal together. And I am grateful for the tradition that has been passed down through generations, bringing us all closer together around the dinner table.