Lighter Spaghetti and Meatballs

We had our technology needs figured out in our motor home until our "hotspot" decided to die on us earlier this week.  Gerry actually attended a conference for a couple of days and then proceeded to hang out at various Starbucks with computer connectivity to get his work done.  I, on the other hand, decided to be a slug and just hang out reading books for most of the week.  I am in the process of re-reading my Mitford series of books.  I started reading them Sunday night and I'm just getting ready to start the fourth book in the series since I just can't seem to put them down.  I did manage to keep cooking during our computer down time, I just couldn't post anything.  The hotspot was replaced with a brand new one that was shipped out quite quickly and we are now back in business.

I love the feel of fall in the air which makes me crave slow, home-cooked foods which is why I made spaghetti and meatballs.  This recipe did manage to lighten it and make it healthier by using whole wheat spaghetti, ground turkey for the meatballs, and a fairly light tomato sauce.  I'm glad I didn't let the "lighter" label stop me from trying this recipe since it was really flavorful and filling.  This comes in at 390 calories per serving.

Lighter Spaghetti and Meatballs
Makes 8 servings (about 12 cups)

1 1/4 pound ground turkey breast
1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1/3 cup sliced scallions
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1/4 cup minced fresh basil
3 tablespoons plain nonfat Greek-style yogurt
2 tablespoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons dry whole-grain bread crumbs
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 recipe Simple Spaghetti Sauce (recipe follows)
1 package whole-grain spaghetti

Combine turkey, onion, bell pepper, scallions, Parmesan, basil, yogurt, garlic, breadcrumbs, black pepper and salt in a large bowl.  Shape mixture into 24 balls.

Heat sauce in a large pot over medium until bubbly, about 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, coat a large cast-iron or nonstick skillet with nonstick spray.  Brown meatballs in two batches over medium-high heat.  Nestle meatballs in sauce in pot; simmer over medium heat, 30 minutes.

Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling water according to package directions; drain and serve with meatballs and sauce.

Simple Spaghetti Sauce
Makes 8 servings (about 5 cups)

1/2 cup grated onion (plus any juices)
1/2 cup grated carrot
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 can crushed tomatoes (28 ounces)
1 can no-salt-added tomato sauce (15 ounces)
1/4 cup minced fresh basil

Sweat onion and carrot in oil in a large pot over medim heat until softened, 3-5 minutes.
Add tomato paste, garlic, oregano, pepper flakes, and salt; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Stir in crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce; cook until bubbly, about 10 minutes.
Add basil right before serving.

Slightly adapted from Cuisine at Home, September/October 2012

My rating:
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