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Spinach Turkey Balls

March 26, 2019 by Lovoni +

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This rustic, somewhat humble recipe, is comforting, so delicious & one you’re going to want to make over & over again. Spinach Turkey Balls use easy-to -find ingredients, they’re popular with both adults & kids & both the balls & the chunky tomato sauce they’re served with can be made & frozen for those nights when you’re just too damn busy (or exhausted) to cook. It happens. Right?

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Spinach Turkey Balls
Spinach Turkey Balls

Although there’s three cups of chopped spinach in these delectable little morsels, kids will be clueless they’re eating spinach. Nestled in a chunky tomato sauce that’s so simple to make, the turkey balls are topped with mozzarella that’s melted to molten gooiness.

Spinach Turkey Balls

Although we used turkey, feel free to change it up & use ground pork, beef or chicken. Make sure you use the turkey with the higher fat percentage – we used 80/20. This ensures the meatballs hold together & also adds flavor. Serve this dish with a simple salad & some crusty artisan bread for supping-up the sauce.

Spinach Turkey Balls

Love meatballs as much as we do? Then try Hoisin & Water Chestnut Meatballs, Beef, Pinenut & Raisin Meatballs or Stick Honey Soy Meatballs. You can’t go wrong with any of them. Cheers, Lovoni.

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Spinach Turkey Balls

Delectable parmesan & herb meatballs are nestled in a rich, chunky tomato sauce then topped with fresh mozzarella that becomes gooey & molten. 
Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time40 mins
Total Time1 hr 10 mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 4
Author: Lovoni

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 cups coarsely chopped fresh spinach leaves
  • 20 oz ground turkey (80/20 is best for meatballs to help them hold together)
  • 1 1/2 cups finely grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat leaf parsley
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 teaspoon both salt & freshly ground pepper
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
CHUNKY TOMATO SAUCE
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped onion
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 2 teaspoons teaspoons crushed red peppers (chili flakes)
  • 2 14 oz (398ml) can whole peeled tomatoes, not drained
  • generous pinch of sugar
  • generous pinch salt & freshly ground pepper

Instructions

  • Heat the oil, onion & garlic in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until onion is softened. Add spinach & stir for 1 minute or until spinach is just wilted; remove from the heat; let cool for 5 minutes.
  • Combine the spinach mixture, turkey, parmesan, breadcrumbs, parsley, egg, salt & pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined – the easiest way is to use your hands & really squeeze all the ingredients together.  
  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment. Drop 2 tablespoons each of the mixture onto the baking sheet; roll into balls. Lightly wet your hands or use surgical gloves to prevent the mixture sticking to your hands. Just note, the mixture is quite a wet mixture. Spray the balls with cooking spray & bake for 30 to 35 minutes, turning once during cooking, until meatballs are golden & thoroughly cooked – a thermometer when inserted into a meatball reaches 165°F. 

To make the sauce:

  • While the meatballs are cooking, wipe the frying pan out. Heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add onion & cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onion is softened. Add garlic & cook 1 to 2 minutes until garlic is fragrant. Add tomato paste & wine. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the wine is reduce by about half. Add red pepper, tomatoes with their juice, sugar, salt & pepper. Break the tomatoes into chunks using the side of a spoon. Bring the sauce to a boil then reduce the heat to medium. Simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes or until sauce is thickened. 
  • Place meatballs into sauce & top each with some mozzarella. Place under hot broiler, about 6 inches from heat source, for 1 to 2 minutes or until cheese is melted.  
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Filed Under: Chicken & Other Birds, Entertaining, featured, Mains, Make-ahead & Freeze Tagged With: chunky tomato sauce, meatballs

hello there...

I'm Lovoni - an Aussie living abroad for the last 21 years. Working in food media, I'm a cookbook author; food stylist; cookery teacher & I had a TV food show when I lived in Canada. As a certified nutritionist I believe in nourishment not punishment & love pastry, good wine & afternoon teas. Full of wanderlust, I'm always on the lookout for my next adventure...

Read more...

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And then there was none. My sis & I lost our fathe And then there was none. My sis & I lost our father, my niece her Pa, quite suddenly on August 1st. Almost four months after the death of our mum John decided it was time to join her. The heartache feels unbearable. John was a true gourmand - a fierce cook. He introduced us to spicy Indian curries, Southeast Asian cuisines, the tastes of Morocco, Chinese delicacies, Greek food & so many other cuisines opening up a world filled with flavour to our young palates. 
Keeper of secrets; fiercely loyal to his family & those he held dear & the most trustworthy person you’d ever meet. I know he’s somewhere better, free from pain & he’s with mum. He’s enjoying a beer, an old red wine to wash down the curry. Then a bowl of ice cream - a big bowl because why not. He’ll smile his wide grin & his bright blue eyes will light up. He could be a grumpy bugger at times but we even loved that side of him. Every time I pick up a knife to start another recipe John, you’ll be there with me. Thank you for marrying our mum & choosing us as your daughters. I hope you know how much you were loved & what a huge impact you had on our lives. You’ll be missed more than you could imagine xo. 

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#father #heartbroken #deathofaparent #lovoni #freshhunger #lovonis_lark #grief
Peach Bruschetta - a perfect summer appt. Recipe l Peach Bruschetta - a perfect summer appt.
Recipe link: https://freshhunger.com/2022/07/25/peach-bruschetta/
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#peaches #thepeachtruck @thepeachtruck #foodstyling #foodstylingandphotography #peachrecipes #nutrition #nutritionist #goodforyou #summer2022 #recipedeveloper #eatrealfood #plantbased #lovoni
Broccoli Bacon Salad: easy AF to make & loaded wit Broccoli Bacon Salad: easy AF to make & loaded with all the right flavours & texture combos, regardless of the time of year, you’ll want to make this salad over & over. You’re going to have to trust me on this one. It’s very good. Lots of nuts & seeds, crispy bacon & dried cranberries tossed in the most delicious sweet mustard vinaigrette. I’m not a leftovers fan but this is even good the next day. Head to freshhunger.com for the recipe. L xo
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#broccoli #broccolisalad #freshhunger #lovoni #summerfood #foodstylist #cookbookauthor #goodforyoufood #nutritionistapproved #wholesome
Each day the veggie garden gives forth its bounty. Each day the veggie garden gives forth its bounty. Today was a quick harvest. I need to hurry up & shake this Covid beast so I can throw myself back into some enjoyable cooking again. 
My horrible trip to France was cut short - thank god but left me with Covid. The fucking cherry on top of what was a low point on my radar. I can hardly believe it happened but one dusts off, moves on & let’s those who like to bring others down fall by the wayside. 
Onwards & upwards. Here’s to a busy rest of the month filled with work I’m passionate about. And a garden that’s flourishing. Gorgeous board from @figsandfetaau 
#growyourownfood #harvest #lovonis_lark #freshhunger #zucchinirecipes #zucchini #homegrownveggies #lovoni #foodstylist #foodstyling #grey #neautrals #rusticstyle
Such pretty little quail’s eggs. I’m working a Such pretty little quail’s eggs. I’m working at home all week testing recipes for a cookbook (sadly not another one of mine just yet) & one of the recipes requires quail eggs. I think I’d rather admire them than cook them but needs, must…
#textures #quaileggs #eggs #monotone #monotoneinterior #greys #greige #greigestyle #recipewriter #foodstylist #foodstyling #lovoni #freshhunger #recipetesting #lovonis_lark
Heading back to My homeland today for mum’s fune Heading back to My homeland today for mum’s funeral. Sadly mum passed away on Wednesday & the world suddenly became less joyful, less stylish & definitely less clean & tidy. Gardens are now less pretty & food not as tasty for mum was both a fabulous cook & had the most beautiful garden. Most of you who might take the time to read this never had the honour of meeting my mum but if you had met her, she would be your friend & confidant for life. She played both mum & dad to my sis & I after our father left but we never seemed to want for anything. She was a shining star who always encouraged me to follow my dreams, even when it meant me moving halfway around the world. That just made us closer. She will be missed by those who love her ♥️
Here are some random pics: the first is mum & I in a tiny church in Drummheller, Alberta, Canada. There is one of mum in her bikini drinking a scotch at Palm Beach in Sydney (snarky me on the left in that pic). The last one is mum as a bridesmaid holding my sister. There’s one with my niece when she was little. I love the one where mum has decorated herself in daisy chains. Good memories. 
.
.
.
.
#freshhunger #lovoni #lovonis_lark #mum #mumslife #missmymum #bestmum #bestmumever
And then there was none. My sis & I lost our fathe And then there was none. My sis & I lost our father, my niece her Pa, quite suddenly on August 1st. Almost four months after the death of our mum John decided it was time to join her. The heartache feels unbearable. John was a true gourmand - a fierce cook. He introduced us to spicy Indian curries, Southeast Asian cuisines, the tastes of Morocco, Chinese delicacies, Greek food & so many other cuisines opening up a world filled with flavour to our young palates. 
Keeper of secrets; fiercely loyal to his family & those he held dear & the most trustworthy person you’d ever meet. I know he’s somewhere better, free from pain & he’s with mum. He’s enjoying a beer, an old red wine to wash down the curry. Then a bowl of ice cream - a big bowl because why not. He’ll smile his wide grin & his bright blue eyes will light up. He could be a grumpy bugger at times but we even loved that side of him. Every time I pick up a knife to start another recipe John, you’ll be there with me. Thank you for marrying our mum & choosing us as your daughters. I hope you know how much you were loved & what a huge impact you had on our lives. You’ll be missed more than you could imagine xo. 

.
.
.
.
#father #heartbroken #deathofaparent #lovoni #freshhunger #lovonis_lark #grief
Peach Bruschetta - a perfect summer appt. Recipe l Peach Bruschetta - a perfect summer appt.
Recipe link: https://freshhunger.com/2022/07/25/peach-bruschetta/
.
.
.
.
.
#peaches #thepeachtruck @thepeachtruck #foodstyling #foodstylingandphotography #peachrecipes #nutrition #nutritionist #goodforyou #summer2022 #recipedeveloper #eatrealfood #plantbased #lovoni
Broccoli Bacon Salad: easy AF to make & loaded wit Broccoli Bacon Salad: easy AF to make & loaded with all the right flavours & texture combos, regardless of the time of year, you’ll want to make this salad over & over. You’re going to have to trust me on this one. It’s very good. Lots of nuts & seeds, crispy bacon & dried cranberries tossed in the most delicious sweet mustard vinaigrette. I’m not a leftovers fan but this is even good the next day. Head to freshhunger.com for the recipe. L xo
.
.
.
.
.
.
#broccoli #broccolisalad #freshhunger #lovoni #summerfood #foodstylist #cookbookauthor #goodforyoufood #nutritionistapproved #wholesome
Each day the veggie garden gives forth its bounty. Each day the veggie garden gives forth its bounty. Today was a quick harvest. I need to hurry up & shake this Covid beast so I can throw myself back into some enjoyable cooking again. 
My horrible trip to France was cut short - thank god but left me with Covid. The fucking cherry on top of what was a low point on my radar. I can hardly believe it happened but one dusts off, moves on & let’s those who like to bring others down fall by the wayside. 
Onwards & upwards. Here’s to a busy rest of the month filled with work I’m passionate about. And a garden that’s flourishing. Gorgeous board from @figsandfetaau 
#growyourownfood #harvest #lovonis_lark #freshhunger #zucchinirecipes #zucchini #homegrownveggies #lovoni #foodstylist #foodstyling #grey #neautrals #rusticstyle
Such pretty little quail’s eggs. I’m working a Such pretty little quail’s eggs. I’m working at home all week testing recipes for a cookbook (sadly not another one of mine just yet) & one of the recipes requires quail eggs. I think I’d rather admire them than cook them but needs, must…
#textures #quaileggs #eggs #monotone #monotoneinterior #greys #greige #greigestyle #recipewriter #foodstylist #foodstyling #lovoni #freshhunger #recipetesting #lovonis_lark
Heading back to My homeland today for mum’s fune Heading back to My homeland today for mum’s funeral. Sadly mum passed away on Wednesday & the world suddenly became less joyful, less stylish & definitely less clean & tidy. Gardens are now less pretty & food not as tasty for mum was both a fabulous cook & had the most beautiful garden. Most of you who might take the time to read this never had the honour of meeting my mum but if you had met her, she would be your friend & confidant for life. She played both mum & dad to my sis & I after our father left but we never seemed to want for anything. She was a shining star who always encouraged me to follow my dreams, even when it meant me moving halfway around the world. That just made us closer. She will be missed by those who love her ♥️
Here are some random pics: the first is mum & I in a tiny church in Drummheller, Alberta, Canada. There is one of mum in her bikini drinking a scotch at Palm Beach in Sydney (snarky me on the left in that pic). The last one is mum as a bridesmaid holding my sister. There’s one with my niece when she was little. I love the one where mum has decorated herself in daisy chains. Good memories. 
.
.
.
.
#freshhunger #lovoni #lovonis_lark #mum #mumslife #missmymum #bestmum #bestmumever
And then there was none. My sis & I lost our fathe And then there was none. My sis & I lost our father, my niece her Pa, quite suddenly on August 1st. Almost four months after the death of our mum John decided it was time to join her. The heartache feels unbearable. John was a true gourmand - a fierce cook. He introduced us to spicy Indian curries, Southeast Asian cuisines, the tastes of Morocco, Chinese delicacies, Greek food & so many other cuisines opening up a world filled with flavour to our young palates. 
Keeper of secrets; fiercely loyal to his family & those he held dear & the most trustworthy person you’d ever meet. I know he’s somewhere better, free from pain & he’s with mum. He’s enjoying a beer, an old red wine to wash down the curry. Then a bowl of ice cream - a big bowl because why not. He’ll smile his wide grin & his bright blue eyes will light up. He could be a grumpy bugger at times but we even loved that side of him. Every time I pick up a knife to start another recipe John, you’ll be there with me. Thank you for marrying our mum & choosing us as your daughters. I hope you know how much you were loved & what a huge impact you had on our lives. You’ll be missed more than you could imagine xo. 

.
.
.
.
#father #heartbroken #deathofaparent #lovoni #freshhunger #lovonis_lark #grief
Peach Bruschetta - a perfect summer appt. Recipe l Peach Bruschetta - a perfect summer appt.
Recipe link: https://freshhunger.com/2022/07/25/peach-bruschetta/
.
.
.
.
.
#peaches #thepeachtruck @thepeachtruck #foodstyling #foodstylingandphotography #peachrecipes #nutrition #nutritionist #goodforyou #summer2022 #recipedeveloper #eatrealfood #plantbased #lovoni
Broccoli Bacon Salad: easy AF to make & loaded wit Broccoli Bacon Salad: easy AF to make & loaded with all the right flavours & texture combos, regardless of the time of year, you’ll want to make this salad over & over. You’re going to have to trust me on this one. It’s very good. Lots of nuts & seeds, crispy bacon & dried cranberries tossed in the most delicious sweet mustard vinaigrette. I’m not a leftovers fan but this is even good the next day. Head to freshhunger.com for the recipe. L xo
.
.
.
.
.
.
#broccoli #broccolisalad #freshhunger #lovoni #summerfood #foodstylist #cookbookauthor #goodforyoufood #nutritionistapproved #wholesome
Each day the veggie garden gives forth its bounty. Each day the veggie garden gives forth its bounty. Today was a quick harvest. I need to hurry up & shake this Covid beast so I can throw myself back into some enjoyable cooking again. 
My horrible trip to France was cut short - thank god but left me with Covid. The fucking cherry on top of what was a low point on my radar. I can hardly believe it happened but one dusts off, moves on & let’s those who like to bring others down fall by the wayside. 
Onwards & upwards. Here’s to a busy rest of the month filled with work I’m passionate about. And a garden that’s flourishing. Gorgeous board from @figsandfetaau 
#growyourownfood #harvest #lovonis_lark #freshhunger #zucchinirecipes #zucchini #homegrownveggies #lovoni #foodstylist #foodstyling #grey #neautrals #rusticstyle
Such pretty little quail’s eggs. I’m working a Such pretty little quail’s eggs. I’m working at home all week testing recipes for a cookbook (sadly not another one of mine just yet) & one of the recipes requires quail eggs. I think I’d rather admire them than cook them but needs, must…
#textures #quaileggs #eggs #monotone #monotoneinterior #greys #greige #greigestyle #recipewriter #foodstylist #foodstyling #lovoni #freshhunger #recipetesting #lovonis_lark
Heading back to My homeland today for mum’s fune Heading back to My homeland today for mum’s funeral. Sadly mum passed away on Wednesday & the world suddenly became less joyful, less stylish & definitely less clean & tidy. Gardens are now less pretty & food not as tasty for mum was both a fabulous cook & had the most beautiful garden. Most of you who might take the time to read this never had the honour of meeting my mum but if you had met her, she would be your friend & confidant for life. She played both mum & dad to my sis & I after our father left but we never seemed to want for anything. She was a shining star who always encouraged me to follow my dreams, even when it meant me moving halfway around the world. That just made us closer. She will be missed by those who love her ♥️
Here are some random pics: the first is mum & I in a tiny church in Drummheller, Alberta, Canada. There is one of mum in her bikini drinking a scotch at Palm Beach in Sydney (snarky me on the left in that pic). The last one is mum as a bridesmaid holding my sister. There’s one with my niece when she was little. I love the one where mum has decorated herself in daisy chains. Good memories. 
.
.
.
.
#freshhunger #lovoni #lovonis_lark #mum #mumslife #missmymum #bestmum #bestmumever

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