Spinach Meatballs with Sauce

Serves 6

Healthier meatballs

Gilberte

Ingredients 

Meatballs:

1 lb of extra-lean ground beef

1 cup finely chopped spinach

1 onion, finely diced

1 egg

1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1/2 tsp grated nutmeg

Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce:

2 oz tomato paste

28 oz diced tomatoes

1 carrot finely chopped

1 sprig celery, finely chopped

1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

3 tablespoons Panko bread crumbs

1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions 

Meatballs: In large mixing bowl, add beef, spinach, 1/2 onion, egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic, nutmeg, salt and pepper. Mix ingredients and shape into 1 1/2 inch balls. Refrigerate 30 min, meanwhile make sauce.

Sauce: In 3 qt saucepan add tomato paste, diced tomatoes, carrot, celery, and red pepper flakes. Bring to boil then simmer covered 30 min. Stir occasionally. 

Cook Meatballs: in 10 inch skillet heat oil at medium high. Roll meatballs in crumbs, sauté gently in pan, until browned on each side. As they are ready, drop in sauce. Add 1 cup of water in skillet, and scrape pan. Pour those contents in with tomato sauce and meatballs. Simmer 20 to 30 min.