Grated Carrots + Meatballs

I recently discovered how to use grated carrots as a natural sweetener. Perfect for adding extra vegetables into dishes and for finicky eaters who hate carrots! Works especially well in sauces and in ground meats mixtures (like meatballs).

The Microplane is must-have in the kitchen - it is the perfect tool for fine grating and zesting.

Healthy Turkey Meatballs (adapted from Ellie Krieger recipe)

INGREDIENTS
1 lb lean ground turkey
1/2 cup finely grated carrot (about 3/4 large carrot)
1/2 finely chopped white onion
1 garlic clove, minced*
1 slice fresh wheat bread (crust removed) crumbs**
1 egg slightly beaten
1 teaspoon dried onions (can substitute with onion powder)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon olive oil
Cooking spray
DIRECTIONS
Line a cookie tray with heavy duty foil and spray with cooking spray.
Make bread crumbs and place in a large bowl.
Combine the rest of the above ingredients (except for the cooking spray) in the bowl and gently mix until all ingredients are incorporated into the ground turkey (don't overmix).
With your hands, make 2-inch balls and place on the tray (meat mixture will be soft and wet).
Broil for 10 minutes.
Remove from pan and place in any kind of sauce (recipes below) and simmer for another 15 minutes.

*Tip: for easy removal of garlic from its peel, place garlic in microwave for 20 seconds
**Pulse bread in food processor until fine crumbs

Simple Sweet n' Spicy Tomato Sauce

INGREDIENTS

1/4 cup finely grated carrot (use the remaining 1/4 of above carrot)

1/2 finely chopped white onion

1 garlic clove, finely minced

1 can or box of crushed/chopped tomatoes (recommended: San Marzano or Pomi)

1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried oregano (or fresh, if you have)

1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes (or fresh, if you have)

 2 bay leaves

Salt and pepper to taste

Olive Oil

DIRECTIONS

In a small saucepan, on medium high heat, drizzle olive oil and saute onions and carrots with garlic powder until softened.

Add crushed red pepper flakes and garlic; saute for another minute.

Add tomatoes, oregano, parsley flakes and bay leaves; turn down to low and simmer for 30 minutes.

Salt and pepper to taste.

Garnish with fresh basil if you want.

Swedish Meatball Sauce 
INGREDIENTS 
1/2 finely chopped white onion
4 tablespoons flour
2 tablespoons butter
2 cups beef or chicken broth
1 cup light sour cream
Pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS
On medium heat, saute onions in butter until translucent.
Add flour and stir until cooked.
Add broth; turn to low and simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.
Add sour cream, one spoonful at a time while mixing.
Add pepper to taste (I usually add alot).

All off the above are obviously best served over pasta!!