Oregano-Spiced Turkey Meatballs with Polenta and Braised Kale

Tender baked lean ground turkey meatballs seasoned with oregano, served atop creamy cornmeal polenta with garlic-oil braised kale.

• Prep: 20 min
• Cook: 25 min
• Total: 45 min
• Servings: 5
• Cuisine: Italian
• Difficulty: Medium
• Cost: $3.36/serving

Dietary

• Gluten-Free
• Dairy-Free
• Nut-Free
• Soy-Free
• Egg-Free
• Low-FODMAP
• High-Protein
• Low-Saturated-Fat
• Low-Sugar
• Low-Calorie

Tags

• bake
• comfort food
• healthy

Ingredients

• 2 pound ground turkey (lean 93/7)
• 1.5 cup cornmeal (coarse ground)
• 6 cup water
• 6 cup kale (stems removed, chopped)
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 2 tablespoon garlic-infused olive oil
• 1.25 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper (ground)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix the ground turkey with dried oregano, dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, 1/4 teaspoon of the black pepper, and 1/2 tablespoon of garlic-infused olive oil. Form into 20 evenly sized meatballs and place on the prepared sheet.
3. Bake the meatballs for 18 to 20 minutes until browned and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.
4. While meatballs bake, bring 6 cups of water and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil in a medium pot. Gradually whisk in the cornmeal. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently, for 15 minutes until thick and creamy.
5. In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic-infused olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped kale, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until tender.
6. Serve the baked meatballs over generous spoonfuls of warm polenta alongside the braised kale.

Notes

Coarse yellow cornmeal provides excellent whole-grain fiber and creates a naturally gluten-free base.

Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: 498
• Protein: 41.6 g
• Carbohydrates: 45.4 g
• Fat: 19.7 g
• Fiber: 4.6 g
• Sodium: 760 mg
• Saturated Fat: 4.7 g
• Cholesterol: 144 mg