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Mozzarella Stuffed Turkey Meatballs In A Lemony Mustard Pesto Sauce

Yields4 ServingsPrep Time30 minsCook Time30 minsTotal Time1 hr

Bursting with flavour, these meatballs have a lovely surprise of melted mozzarella in the centre. The bright flavours of the pesto are the perfect complement to the ground turkey. Serve with your favourite pasta as a main course, or as small bite appetizer.

Mozzarella Stuffed Turkey Meatballs In A Lemony Mustard Pesto Sauce

Pesto
 2 cloves garlic
 ¼ cup sliced almonds, toasted
 ½ grated zest and juice of half a lemon
 1 pinch salt and pepper
 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves
  cup canola oil
 ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
 1 tsp whole grain Dijon mustard
Meatballs
 1 lb ground turkey
 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  cup pesto (from above recipe)
  cup grated Parmesan cheese
 ¼ cup onion, minced
 1 clove garlic, minced
 1 tsp dry mustard powder
 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
 4 oz baby bocconcini cheese (about 14-16 pieces)
 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
 1 tsp yellow mustard seeds, for garnish
To make the pesto sauce:
1

Combine the garlic, almonds, lemon juice and zest, salt and pepper in a food processor or blender and process until smooth.

2

Add the basil, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, mustard and 1-2 Tbsp (15 - 30 mL) of water and blend until smooth.

3

Season to taste with salt and pepper.

To make the meatballs:
4

Combine the turkey, breadcrumbs, pesto, Parmesan, onion, garlic, mustard powder and eggs. Gently stir together to combine.

5

Shape the mixture into 1 3/4 -inch (4.5 cm) balls and stuff a piece of baby bocconcini inside. Cover with the meat to seal. Place the stuffed meatballs on a parchment lined baking sheet.

6

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

7

Drizzle the meatballs with the olive oil and bake for about 30 minutes, flipping them over halfway through.

8

Serve hot, with the remaining pesto sauce and garnish with the mustard seeds on top of each meatball.

9

Serve alongside your favourite cooked pasta and tomato sauce, or rice, quinoa or lentils. Stick a toothpick in each and serve as an appetizer.

Substitutions
10

Can use ground chicken instead of turkey.

Can cube mozzarella instead of using the baby bocconcini.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 161 g

Servings 4


Amount Per Serving
Calories 360
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 26g40%

Saturated Fat 7g35%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 108mg36%
Sodium 179mg8%
Total Carbohydrate 10g4%

Dietary Fiber 2g8%
Sugars .75g
Protein 22g44%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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