Lunch: Turkey Meatballs with Sage and Cranberries

Recipe by Robin Schempp Find sources for local ground turkey at LocalHarvest.org and conserve fossil fuels that get burned during shipping.

This recipe includes fertility superfoods such as:

Cranberries, Spinach, Nuts

Health and fertility benefits of Turkey Meatballs with Sage and Cranberries

Researchers believe that cranberries contain substances that prevent infection-causing bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract walls. However, store-bought cranberry juice is typically all sugar - so make sure to stick with straight cranberries. Fresh spinach is an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin B6, all of which have significant roles in reducing inflammation in the body, all of which help in the case of infertility. Nuts are a natural source of Inositol, a derivative of Vitamin B (which is often prescribed in the form of supplements for women with PCOS). Inositol can effectively control the symptoms of PCOS by reducing insulin resistance and improving insulin sensitivity.

Ingredients

1/3 cup pine nuts
1 pound ground lean turkey
1 large egg, beaten
1 cup fresh whole-wheat breadcrumbs, soaked in 1 ounce skim milk
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/3 cup packed Swiss chard, spinach or arugula, finely chopped
1/3 cup dried cranberries, chopped
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
1 1/2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh sage
3/4 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
1/4 teaspoon ground marjoram
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Parchment paper
1 tablespoon olive oil
10 ounces store-bought cranberry chutney (optional)

Instructions

Heat a small pan over medium heat; add pine nuts and stir until aromatic and light brown, a few minutes. In a bowl, combine all ingredients from turkey through pepper, being careful not to overmix. Cover and chill for at least 2 1/2 hours. (Chilling will help meatballs keep their shape while cooking.) Heat oven to 400 °. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper; brush paper with oil. Roll meat into 1-inch balls; place on baking sheet 1/2 inch apart. Bake until balls are brown and bounce back to the touch, and internal temperature reaches 165 °, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove; let rest. Serve warm with chutney, if desired. DO AHEAD: These savory bites can be made up to 48 hours in advance. Store, covered, in the fridge; reheat at 250 °F for 15 minutes.

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