Stage 4 Bariatric Recipe

Zucchini Noodles with Turkey Meatballs & Marinara Sauce

Are you looking for a tasty meal to help with your weight loss journey? This recipe is packed with protein from the turkey and fiber from the vegetables. Plus, it's low in fat and carbohydrates, making it a meal contender for anyone looking to watch their weight. Before trying any diet or recipe, you should make sure that it is approved for you by your own qualified healthcare provider.

1070 calories over multiple servings

Ingredients:

For the Zucchini Noodles:

1 medium zucchini - 35 calories

1 tablespoon olive oil - 125 calories

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Turkey Meatballs:

1 pound ground turkey breast - 480 calories

1/2 cup finely chopped onion - 35 calories

1 egg - 75 calories

1/8 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 55 calories

1 teaspoon basil - 1 calories

1/2 teaspoon garlic - 5 calories

1/2 teaspoon salt - 0 calories

1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 2 calories

For the Marinara Sauce:

1 can (Around 28 ounces) crushed tomatoes - 310 calories

1/2 cup chopped fresh basil - 310 calories

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Start by making the zucchini noodles. Wash the zucchinis and using a spiralizer or a julienne peeler, create long thin strips of zucchini. Place them in a colander and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess water. Then, rinse well under cold water and pat dry.

2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Zoodles to the skillet and cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender but still slightly firm.

3. While the zucchini noodles are cooking, prepare the meatballs. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, chopped onion, egg, Parmesan cheese, basil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it's well combined.

4. Scoop small amounts of the mixture and roll into balls. Place the meatballs onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes, until cooked through.

5. While the meatballs are baking, make the marinara sauce. In a separate saucepan, heat the crushed tomatoes, chopped basil, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened.

6. Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Plate the zucchini noodles topped with the turkey meatballs and drizzle some of the marinara sauce on top.

Enjoy!