Turkey mince or ground turkey is one of the most underrated protein sources and yet it’s SO HIGH in protein. These High Protein Turkey Meatballs pack in 34g protein per serve just from the meatballs themselves. If you choose to serve them up with additional high protein pasta such as chickpea or soybean fettucine then you’ll increase again. They’re also wonderful warmed up the next day and popped into a baguette with rocket for a delicious lunch.
HIGH PROTEIN TURKEY MEATBALLS
Gluten free
Serves 4
1x 400g tin butter beans, rinsed and drained
2 cloves garlic crushed
1 egg, whisked
½ cup ricotta
⅓ cup parmesan
¼ teaspoon oregano
500g turkey mince
Salt and pepper
Extra virgin olive oil
600ml tomato passata or another delicious tomato based pasta sauce ready to go
To serve: parmesan cheese, a juicy green salad and high protein pasta such as chickpea or soybean. Alternatively leave without pasta and serve with quinoa, rice or as is for a lighter meal.
Heat oven 200C (fan forced). Mash butter beans in a bowl with a potato masher. Add to a larger bowl with the crushed garlic, egg, ricotta, parmesan, oregano and whisk to integrate the egg, then add the turkey mince and mix. Add some extra virgin olive oil to a small bowl – a few tablespoons is fine as this will be for your hands. Oil your hands and then measure 1/4 cup (press the mix in well) meatball mince, squeeze a little to make the ball a bit tighter and then roll in a ball and place on a tray lined with greaseproof paper. Repeat with remaining mix. Bake in oven for 20 minutes. Whilst the meatballs bake, cook some pasta or another grain source should you wish and prepare the salad. Warm the passata or pasta sauce just prior to the meatballs finishing cooking. Once the meatballs are ready, add to a serving platter, pour the passata over the top and grate parmesan. Season with sea salt and black pepper and serve with the high protein pasta and salad.
