Turkey and Sun-Dried Tomato Meatballs with Basil and Asiago

Okay, so I'll say this as I say about many of the recipes on this page (but I really mean it)...these are as easy to make as they are delicious (and they are really, really delicious). You simply put everything in a bowl and mix it together then shape it into balls; the most difficult part (and it's not difficult) is dicing some of the ingredients. And while these are made with turkey, they would taste just as good if made with another poultry, meat, or even fish. They can be sauteed, baked, fried, or poached. I first sauteed them (to brown them) and then poached them in a tomato sauce to serve with pasta. But they could just as easily be eaten as is...as an appetizer with a spicy or sweet-and-sour dipping sauce. Shaped into patty-form it could be cooked and eaten on a sandwich. You get the picture...they're easy and delicious (and sort of pretty to look at, too). Did I mention how easy these are to make and how delicious they are...?

Turkey Meatballs with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Basil, and Asiago 

Makes about 3 dozen small meatballs

1 ¼ pounds ground turkey

½ cup diced sun dried tomatoes

2 large eggs

2 slices whole wheat bread, crusts removed and diced

½ cup coarsely chopped fresh basil

½ cup shredded asiago cheese

1 small onion, diced small

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon kosher salt

½ teaspoon crushed red pepper

Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly. Allow to rest for 5 minutes, then mix thoroughly again. Shape into meatballs. Cook the meatballs in a skillet, in an oven, or poach them in sauce. 

Urban Simplicity.