Gluten-Free Turkey Meatballs in Light Vodka Sauce
If you're looking for comfort food that just so happens to also be gluten-free and packed with protein, these Gluten-Free Turkey Meatballs in Light Vodka Sauce check all the boxes. They're cozy, hearty, and incredibly satisfying without feeling too heavy.
Servings: 16 meatballs
Ingredients
Turkey Meatballs
- 2 ½ lbs ground turkey (93/7)
- ½ cup Parmigiano-Reggiano grated
- 1 egg
- ¾ tsp salt
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp oregano
- ⅓ cup fresh parsley chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced or grated
Dairy Free Vodka Sauce
- 1 onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced or grated
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp jarred Calabrian chili pepper or ½ tsp Calabrian chili flakes
- ¼ cup vodka
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 10 ounces frozen cauliflower thawed
- ½ cup Parmigiano-Reggiano grated
- ½ cup fresh basil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F
- Place all of the meatball ingredients, except for the olive oil, into a large bowl and use your hands to mix well.
- Coat your hands with a bit of olive oil and roll meatballs into about 1¾ inch round meatballs. Note: Olive oil will prevent meatballs from sticking to your hands.
- Grease a 13-inch round skillet (does not have to be cast iron) with 1 tbsp olive oil. Add meatballs to the skillet and bake for 17 minutes, then remove the meatballs from the skillet and drain off ½ the fat.
- Place the skillet on the stove, add onions, garlic, and salt. Sautè for 3 minutes over medium heat or until onions are translucent.
- Mix in tomato paste and Calabrian chili pepper, then stir in vodka. Cook for 5 minutes more to allow the alcohol to evaporate, then mix in crushed canned tomatoes, 1½ cups water, and cauliflower. Let simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Transfer to a blender, add ½ cup grated Parmigaino Reggiano and blend on high. Pour the sauce back into the skillet, stir in the basil, and add back the meatballs.
- Serve with gluten-free pasta, polenta, or rice.
Nutrition
Calories: 171kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 67mg | Sodium: 415mg | Potassium: 398mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 392IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 120mg | Iron: 2mg
