Low Fat Smokey Barbeque Turkey Spaghetti & Meatballs

Low Fat Smokey Barbeque Turkey Spaghetti & Meatballs

With the March winds picking up outside, barbeque season still seems a long way off but a few nights ago we enjoyed some of those familiar summer flavors in  this healthy version of spaghetti and meatballs. We used a couple of our favorite smokey spices, smoked paprika and chipotle powder, in both the meatballs and the sauce. the result was utterly delicious and a meal we are sure to enjoy many more times to come.

Originally published on March 22, 2012.

Serves 4

Soak together:

3/4 cup bread crumbs

1/4 cup buttermilk

Add

1 1/2 pound ground lean turkey

1 small beaten egg

1 tsp ground thyme

1 tsp chipotle powder

2 tsp smoked paprika
2 cloves minced garlic
1/2 tsp ground black pepper

1/2 tsp salt

Form into 2 inch balls and bake on a parchment lined baking sheet for 20 minutes at 375 degrees F.

Sauce:

Saute

3 tbsp olive oil

3 cloves minced garlic

Add:

2 cups diced plum tomatoes

2 tbsp molasses

1 tsp ground thyme

3 tbsp chopped fresh oregano

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp chipotle powder

1/2 tsp ground black pepper

1/2 tsp salt

Simmer together until the tomatoes soften and the sauce begins to thicken, then add:

3 cup plain tomato sauce

the baked turkey meatballs

Simmer gently for 10-15 minutes and serve on spaghetti or your favorite pasta.