Vegetable-Stuffed Turkey Meatballs

Got a picky kid? Willing to play the ultimate mind game? Stop right here and snag this meaty dish that secretly has enough veggies in, and your kid won't be able to call your bullshit.

Where did the idea for this come from? Well, I have a very well-rounded, typically-vegetable loving child who has been vegan for years. That was until a family member gave her some meat, and the next thing you know the kid likes meatballs. And while I know you are saying, "Well, come on now, who's the parent in this relationship," I am inclined to say that she is :) But really, I knew that someday she'd want to eat animals. It was only a matter of time.

And hey, a few meatballs here and there aren't going to ruin her. It's not as if we're eating at Ikea. 

So, in my efforts to make a meal that includes everything she needs in one bite, I developed this turkey-vegetable meatball. That way the little monster can't tell me that she's too full for broccoli after stuffing her face with bird.

The Recipe
Ingredients:

• 1 lb.  ground turkey
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1/2 cup spinach, chopped
• 1/4 cup shredded carrots
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• salt and pepper
• basil for garnish

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 F.
2. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Once mixed well, roll into desired size meatball.
3. Place on sprayed baking sheet and place in oven for 20 minutes.
4. Finish off in a pan of simmering marinara sauce.