1teaspoonbasil (if you prefer you can use 5-6 fresh basil leaves)
¼-½teaspoonsalt
1clovegarlic minced
½-¾cupwater(59-118 grams)
EXTRAS
½cupshredded firm mozzarella(42 grams)
¼cupfreshly grated Parmesan cheese(25 grams)
¼-½cupwhite sauce (homemade or store bought)
4cupscooked short pasta
Instructions
FOR THE MEATBALLS
Soak the bread in milk for about 2 or 3 minutes, then squeeze out moisture and crumble. In a medium bowl combine the crumbled bread with the ground turkey, parmesan cheese, egg, and spices, mix well. Form the mixture into small meatballs.
In a large frying pan add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and brown meatballs on all sides. Remove the meatballs and set aside.
FOR THE SAUCE
In the same pan add the tomatoes, garlic, spices and water, stir to combine, then add the meatballs and gently combine. Cook until thickened.
While pasta is cooking pre-heat the oven at 350F (180C) and lightly grease a medium to large baking dish.
While the sauce and meatballs are cooking, cook the pasta a little harder than al dent. Add the drained pasta to the sauce, gently combine, then pour into the prepared baking dish, drizzle with a simple white sauce (bought or homemade). (You can omit the white sauce but believe me it is sooo good with it). Sprinkle with the shredded firm mozzarella and freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Bake for about 15-20 minutes. Let sit 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
To make a simple whit sauce - In a small pot over medium heat melt 1/2 tablespoon of butter, then add 1/2 tablespoon of flour and a pinch of salt, combine with a whisk, add 1/2 cup of milk slowly and continue to stir until very thick.Be sure to wrap the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. It will last up for about three or four days in the fridge. It can be re-heated in a 325F oven for about 10-15 minutes or until heated throughout.
The casserole can also be frozen, be sure to cool completely (and make sure the baking dish is freezer safe), cover with an airtight freezer safe bag and freeze for up to one to two months.