PCOS Recipe: Turkey, Quinoa, and Zucchini meatballs.

Italian Turkey, Quinoa & Zucchini Meatballs (Adapted from Cookin' Canuck)

• 2 lbs ground turkey
• 1 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/2 medium onion, finely minced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup minced zucchini
• 1/4 cup chopped Italian parsley, plus more for garnish
• 1/4 tsp dried chile flakes
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 1/2 tsp ground oregano
• 1/2 tsp ground pepper
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 jars tomato sauce (your favorite kind)
• Whole Grain pita pockets
• 8 tbsp finely grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Thoroughly coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray or olive oil.
2. In a bowl, combine ground turkey, cooked quinoa, finely minced onion, garlic, minced zucchini, parsley, dried chile flakes, soy sauce, oregano, ground pepper and egg.
3. Mix well to combine. Form meatballs by rolling between the palms of your hands. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing evenly.
4. Bake until the meatballs are firm to the touch and cooked through, about 20 minutes.
5. While the meatballs are cooking, heat the tomato sauce in a large saucepan set over medium heat (add spinach to the pan while heating for a twist).
6. Transfer the meatballs to the tomato sauce and gently stir to coat the meatballs.
7. Spoon the meatballs and sauce into a bowl, serve alongside the pita pockets and Parmesan cheese. (or be really good and roll them in lettuce leaves.)

WHY IS THIS SO GOOD?

Well, for us with PCOS this recipe is to die for! For one thing, turkey is extremely high in protein and very low in fat and cholesterol. Not only that, quinoa is a whole grain found in South America (available in the health food section) and has the lowest glycemic index of any other grain and it also has the highest in protein count of any other grain. This combination equals an energy packed meal that is low in our worst enemies: CARBS! The pitas are carbs, but whole grains and thin bread along with healthy meatballs packed with veggies is a PCOSgal's treat without cheating. 

Why does good food have to taste bad? IT DOESN'T!!!!!!! 

Yummy good food, that's what it is all about.