Meatballs with Tomato & Zucchini Medley

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. extra-lean ground beef or ground turkey breast
• 1/4 cup whole wheat bread crumbs
• 1 egg
• 3/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp. dried Italian seasoning
• 6 tbsp. freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 zucchini, halved lengthwise & sliced
• 1 yellow squash, halved lengthwise & sliced
• 1 (16 oz.) can Italian-style cut tomatoes
• 1 ( 16 oz.) crushed tomatoes
• 1/4 cup chopped basil
• sprig basil, for garnish

Makes 4 Servings

1. In a large bowl, combine the beef or turkey, bread crumbs, egg, 1/2 teaspoon of the pepper, Italian seasoning, and 4 tablespoons of the Parmesan. Form into balls the size of walnuts.
2. Spray a large skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium heat. Working in batches, add the meatballs and cook for 15 minutes, or until browned and no longer pink inside. Remove to a bowl, leaving drippings in a skillet. Repeat to cook the remaining meatballs.
3. In the same skillet in warm drippings over medium-high heat, add the onion and garlic and cook for 5 minutes, or until the onion is tender. Stir in the zucchini, yellow squash, cut tomatoes (with juice), crushed tomatoes, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper, the remaining 2 tablespoons Parmesan, and the meatballs. Heat to boiling. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 20 minutes. Stir in the chopped basil. Garnish with basil sprig (optional).

WW POINTS VALUE: 9 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Cookbook. This is a sophisticated take on a classic Italian comfort food. The meatballs are nice and firm due to the combination of bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, seasonings and egg; those are the keys to making your meatballs flavorful. The sliced zucchini and yellow squash mixed in with the onions, garlic and tomatoes add a sophisticated touch to this dish. You can serve this medley over a plate of whole wheat pasta or serve it on a toasted whole wheat baguette as a meatball sub and it will be delicious. Don't forget the wine!