Greek Meatballs

This recipe comes from Weight Watchers and this quick and tasty recipe has become a family favourite. You can also use ground pork, ground beef, or even ground lamb for a more traditional Greek taste.

Greek Meatballs with Orzo
Makes 6 servings

3/4 lb. skinless ground turkey
1 cup finely chopped onion
1/3 cup plain dried breadcrumbs
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
3 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 Tablespoon chopped fresh mint
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 (28 oz.) can whole peeled tomatoes, chopped
3 Tablespoons tomato paste
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 pound orzo, cooked according to package

It is important to note that the ingredients above are split between the sauce and the meatballs. I have often forgotten this and used the amounts listed in the meatballs and needed to add more for the sauce.

Preheat oven to 400F. Spray a baking sheet with non-stick spray; set aside.

Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, 1/2 cup of the onion, bread crumbs, half of the minced garlic, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, mint, 1 teaspoon of oregano, and 1/4 teaspoon of the cinnamon. Mix well. With damp hands, form into 18 (1-inch) meatballs. Place the meatballs on the baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes. Turn meatballs after 10 minutes. Once cooked, set aside the meatballs.

Sauce: In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add remaining onion, garlic, and oregano. Cook just until the onion begins to soften and become fragrant -- approximately 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, and cinnamon. Add salt if desired, I never use it. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally until the sauce begins to thicken -- approximately 15 minutes.

Add the meatballs to the sauce and simmer for an additional 15 minutes longer.

Top cooked orzo with meatballs and sauce. 

If made with the exact measurements, 3 meatballs with 1/2 cup orzo is worth 6 Weight Watchers points. Each serving has 327 calories, 9g. fat, 44g. carbs, 4g fibre, and 18g protein.