Spaghetti and Meatballs.......

So today is the first official day of 2012.  Although this is not a brand new goal of mine... (I am kinda piggy backing on my last year goal) I wanted to start the dinner of the new year healthy.  I have always loved cooking, but recently found myself yearning for the ability to reinvent myself and how my family eats.  I wanted to be able to cook much of the same meals that my family and I have grown to love, but healthier.... which means little or no sugar and low in calories/fat.  So I would like to share with you this yummy and easy recipe for homemade spaghetti and meatballs:

For Meatballs:

1/2 pound lean ground beef
1/2 pound of lean ground turkey
1/2 cup dry breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons dried minced onion
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 large egg
2 tablespoons low fat milk
1 teaspoon minced jarred garlic
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper


Directions:

In a large bowl, with a spoon or with your hands gently mix together all of the ingredients until combined.

With wet hands form into 1 1/4 inch balls.  Set aside


For Sauce/spaghetti

12 ounces spaghetti
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
3 garlic cloves minced
1/2 cup dry red wine or beef broth
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil leaves
1 1/2 teaspoons oregano leaves
pinch of red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups of water
garlic salt


Directions:

In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium high heat.  Add the onion and saute for 3 to 4 minutes or until soft.  Add the garlic and saute for 1 additional minute.  Deglaze the pan by pouring in the wine ( or broth) and scraping the browned bits from the bottom.  Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, herbs, red pepper, black pepper and water.  Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.

Cook the pasta according to the package directions while the sauce simmers, drain and set aside.

Gently stir the uncooked meatballs into the sauce and cover.  Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until meatballs feel firm and are cooked through. Sprinkle lightly with garlic salt to taste.  Let simmer additional three minutes.

Place pasta in large bowl or platter.  Pour sauce onto pasta and top with meatballs.

420 Calories:   in one cup of pasta,  1/2 cup of sauce and 3 meatballs