Roasted Red Pepper & Tomato Orzo with Turkey Meatballs

Ingredients: Makes 4 servings

Meatballs:

1/2 C fresh diced parsley

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp onion powder

1/4 tbsp Italian seasoning

1 lb ground turkey, I used 93% lean (99% lean isn’t as tasty and more dry but it’s up to you!)

Sauce:

8 Campari tomatoes or 4 large tomatoes, cut into 1′ pieces

1 red bell pepper, chopped into 1″ pieces

2-4 cloves garlic

2 tbsp olive oil

1/2 yellow onion, diced

1lb Orzo, you can use Jovial cassava based orzo for gluten free or regular wheat orzo

3 C low sodium chicken broth, I use Kitchen Basics

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400F. Line two sheet pans with parchment paper or aluminum foil
2. On the first pan spread out the tomatoes, peppers and garlic. Sprinkle the sauce seasonings and olive oil. Mix well until everything is coated and roast for 20 minutes
3. While the sauce ingredients are roasting make your meatballs. In a large bowl mix the turkey, garlic, parsley and seasonings. Roll the meatballs into 2′ balls, it should yield about 16 total. Brush the meatballs with olive oil and spread them out on the second baking sheet. When the sauce ingredients are done pop the meatballs until the oven for 20 minutes.
4. When the sauce ingredients are done roasting allow them to cool for 10-15 minutes before pureeing them in a blender. (If done while still hot the blender top may pop and you could burn yourself)
5. Blend until the consistency is smooth about 1 minute
6. In a skillet heat 1 tbsp olive oil and the onion. Cook until the onions are translucent, soft and start to brown. Add your meatballs to the skillet, brown them lightly.
7. Add the tomato sauce, orzo and chicken broth to the pan. Allow to simmer for about 10 minutes or until the liquid has been absorbed and the orzo is al dente. Stir occasionally.
8. Immediately serve. I top with extra fresh parsley before serving

** If you’re feeding little ones that are picky eaters and they don’t like saucy dishes. You can put some meatballs aside after roasting them and not add them the tomato sauce skillet.