Baked "Broccoli Rabe, Mozzarella and Lean-Ground Turkey" Meatballs

When in need of comfort, make meatballs. So here I am with yet another version of meatballs that is as comforting as Mother's love. My strict and staunch vegetarian mom would be annoyed and unhappy that I am equating her love to Turkey Meatballs. Sorry Ma, I mean it in a the good way.
The cheese and the broccoli rabe in the meatballs act as flavor and texture enhancers.If you are a meatball lover like me and enjoy them as much as I do, check here and here for alternate choices. They all taste heavenly!

Ingredients:

• Lean Ground Turkey - 1 1/2 pounds
• Mozzarella - 2/3 cup, shredded
• Broccoli Rabe - 1 bunch, cleaned
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Onion - 1, medium, fine diced
• Stale Whole Wheat Bread - 2, slices, ground
• Fennel Seed - 1 1/2 tsp
• Crushed Black Pepper - 1 tsp
• Egg - 1, beaten
• Tomato-Basil Sauce - 12 ounces
• Red Pepper flakes and salt - for taste

Procedure:

• Chop the broccoli rabe finely and boil in hot water for 2-3 minutes. Completely drain of water and set aside on a dish.
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
• In a bowl, mix ground turkey,mozzarella cheese, garlic, onion, pepper, pepper flakes, salt, egg, breadcrumbs and divide them into small balls(This recipe yield 38 mid-sized balls).
• Arrange the balls in an oven-proof dish.
  
  
• Bake the balls for 20 minutes. 
• In a pan, heat the Tomato-Basil Sauce and drop these balls and cook for 10 minutes.
• Serve hot with choice of pasta.

Makes 38 mid-sized meatballs.

Note:

• A portion of the cooked meatballs with sauce can be frozen for later.
• Add more pepper for heat.

Enjoy!