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Turkey Meatballs with Lentil Marinara

dairy-free spaghetti and meatballs
Cooking Method ,
Difficulty Medium
Time
Prep Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 70 mins Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins
Servings 6
Ingredients
  • 8-10 oz dry pasta (cooked then drained)
    • Lentil Marinara Sauce
  • 1 medium onion
  • 10 cloves of garlic
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp vegan butter (or regular butter if you don't need it dairy-free)
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 28 oz can of whole san marzano tomatoes (or san marzano style tomatoes)
  • 1/2 cup red lentils
  • 2/3 cup chicken stock or broth
  • 1 tsp salt
  • pinch baking soda
  • 2 tsp sugar
    • Egg-Free Turkey Meatballs
  • 2 tbsp vegan mayonnaise
  • 2 servings vegetable crackers
  • 2 tsp ground fennel seeds
  • 2 tsp coriander
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 2 tbsp nutritional yeast (or Parmesan cheese if you don't need it dairy-free)
  • 1 1/2 tsp chicken bullion or stock concentrate (make sure its gluten and/or dairy free if you need that)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tsp dried basil
  • 3 lb ground turkey (I prefer 85/15 turkey)
Instructions
  1. Add the oils and butter to a large pot.
  2. Chop the onion and add to the pot.
  3. Grate the carrot and add to the pot.
  4. Dice the garlic and add it to the pot as well along with the oregano, basil, and thyme to the pot.
  5. Turn the heat on medium-low and cook for about 8 minutes, stirring often to infuse all of the flavor into the oil.
  6. While it cooks, pour the tomatoes into a bowl and crush the tomatoes with your hands into chunks.
  7. After 8 minutes, add the tomatoes, chicken stock, lentils, salt, baking soda, paprika, pepper, and sugar to the pot and stir.
  8. Let it come to a simmer. then turn heat down to low. Let it simmer stirring occasionally for about an hour.
  9. After the sauce cooks for about 15 minutes, start the meatballs.
  10. Preheat your oven to 425°F and grease a large sheet pan (or two small sheet pans).
  11. Measure out two servings of crackers and crush them into fine crumbs, add to a large bowl.
  12. Add the rest of the ingredients except for the ground turkey to the bowl and mix well with a fork.
  13. Add the turkey and combine it very thoroughly with your hands.
  14. Shape and place on the sheet pan 16 equal-sized meatballs. To accomplish this, press the meat mixture down in the bowl evenly and divide in half. Then divide those halves in half, then those halve in half, and those halves in half. Dividing in half 4 times total.
  15. Place in the oven and bake for about 35 minutes, they should be browned and the internal temperature should be 165°F.
  16. While the meatballs and sauce cook, boil your pasta and drain it.
  17. When everything is done, add the pasta to the sauce and mix to coat, turn off the heat.
  18. Scoop it onto a plate and top with a couple of meatballs, enjoy!
  19. Enjoy!
Read it online: https://www.mapletaffyandlousytomatoes.com/recipe/turkey-meatballs-with-lentil-marinara/