12.18.2014

venison, zucchini and ricotta meatballs recipe

phillip got his first deer of the season over thanksgiving break, so our freezer is full of ground venison! i had to warm up to the idea of deer meat, but now i am a fan! i have made meatloaf, chili and now these meatballs from venison. i also love the venison sausage as a healthier alternative to all pork sausage at breakfast! still a red meat, ground venison is much leaner than traditional ground beef. it has much less fat (you would be amazed at what little grease cooks out), less calories and more protein. it does have a bit of a gamey-flavor, but i can barely tell the difference when i use it over ground beef! the recipe that follows i made with venison, but it could also be made with ground turkey or beef. it was a "you can make this again" recipe! we had meatballs over angel hair pasta nests with homemade marinara and served with a side salad. 


venison meatballs

1 lb ground venison (or ground turkey or extra-lean beef)
2 tbsp whole wheat breadcrumbs
1 cup shredded zucchini, squeezed dry
1/4 c part-skim ricotta cheese
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tbsp italian seasonings
1 egg
  1. preheat oven to 375.
  2. combine all ingredients for meatball in ball and mix together,
  3. portion out meatballs with a tablespoon. shape into balls.
  4. spray a large skillet with nonstick spray. brown meatballs on all sides in skillet. 
  5. transfer meatballs to cooking sheet and bake in oven for about 10 minutes, until no longer pink inside. 
(recipe slightly adapted from Mantitlement)

tomorrow i will be working all day at LEONA on 12 South so make sure to come and see me! they are offering amazing holiday specials right now and i would love to outfit you for all you holiday gatherings! i can also be your little elf and mark those last things off for everyone on your christmas list! 

xoxo,
clp

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