Recipe of the week: Turkey-meatball sandwiches

The craving for a spicy Italian style meatball sandwich never seems to phase out. Usually composed of sausage, beef and sometimes veal, meatballs pack a punch loaded with calories.

Friday nights often result in the overindulgence of either food or drink, or both. One way to satisfy a craving and keep the guilt trip at bay and the majority of the fat out is to substitute ground turkey for the various beefs.

For this recipe, plain ground turkey or Italian turkey sausage may be used, but the most sensational part of Italian cooking derives out of the many flavorful herbs used to create each succulent dish, so sausage is not a special requirement.

By combining Italian breadcrumbs, garlic, a touch of basil, parsley, minced onion Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper, a squirt of ketchup and a splash of creamy tomato soup the meatballs are mostly constructed.

Add an egg to bind the seasonings together and then mash in the turkey. Once the seasoning mix is kneaded thoroughly in the meat, roll out several bite-size balls and place them on a plate.

Heat a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a frying pan. Set the meatballs one by one in the pan, leaving a little space between each one for easy rotation.

Let one side cook until golden brown without repositioning, then continue to turn each one until all sides are similarly colored.

Place on a paper-towel-lined plate and let excess oil drain off. Pour the remaining oil out of the pan, place the meatballs back in and pour some marinara or any other red sauce in and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes or until hot.

While the sauce is simmering, heat up the hoagies in the oven for about 10 minutes at 400 degrees. Once warm, slice open, not completely though, just enough for the meatballs to fit, then spoon three or four of the turkey balls (depending on size) into the roll.

Add the provolone cheese and a little more Parmesan. Spoon a small amount of sauce on top of the cheeses to help them melt.

This zesty recipe is quick, easy and inexpensive. The turkey meat makes these sandwiches light while the pasta sauce, bread and cheese add a delectable richness sure to tantalize the taste buds.

All of these ingredients can be purchased at any grocery store.

From the turkey, to the cheese, to the sauce and bun, this meal costs under $30 and can be easily prepared, cooked and clean in under 40 minutes.

Next Monday look for more tasty recipes that are sure to please and easy to make.

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground turkey

3-6 hoagie rolls

Jar of favorite red sauce

3-6 slices provolone cheese

2 garlic cloves

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