Savory Turkey-Ricotta Meatballs

I'm not one to usually do turkey in my meatballs, but I saw this recipe in the recent issue of Cooking Light and decided to try since they are lower in fat. These can be used in spaghetti, substitute for beef in Stroganoff, or serve as as appetizer with warmed marinara dip, as the magazine suggests. Ricotta helps keep the lean ground turkey breast moist. Prepare them in advance, if you like, and store in the freezer for up to three months.

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Serves: 4-6
• Yields: 18 meatballs

Ingredients

• 1  lb  ground turkey breast
• 1⁄2 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
• 1  egg
• 1⁄2 cup  dry breadcrumbs
• 1⁄4 cup  chopped fresh basil
• 1⁄4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Combine ground turkey breast with the other ingredients in a bowl and then shape mixture into about 18 meatballs.
3. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Coat pan with cooking spray.
5. Add meatballs, and brown on all sides.
6. Remove from skillet; transfer to a broiler pan coated with cooking spray, and bake for 15 minutes or until done.
7. To freeze: Follow cooking directions, then allow meatballs to cool to room temperature.
8. Place on a baking sheet, making sure they don't touch one another, and place in the freezer for an hour.
9. Next, transfer hardened meatballs to an airtight container, and store in the freezer.
10. Thaw meatballs in the refrigerator, then bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes or untinl heated.