Jessica Alba's Healthy Meatball Recipe

These versatile meatballs are a favourite in the Alba household. You can use lean turkey mince, organic free-range chicken mince or extra-lean beef mince in the recipe and make your own breadcrumbs if you prefer (or use gluten-free breadcrumbs if required). Serve these meatballs on their own with fresh salad or incorporate in a tomato sauce to serve with quinoa or brown rice.


Jessica Alba's Healthy Meatballs

Ingredients:

• 600 grams of lean ground turkey/chicken/beef
• 1 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs) or gluten-free breadcrumbs - you can easily make your own breadcrumbs by processing/blending bread into crumbs
• 1/4 cup finely chopped carrots
• 1/4 cup finely chopped zucchini
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3/4 cup homemade or store-bought low-sodium chicken broth

Method:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the meat, breadcrumbs, vegetables, eggs, and seasonings until combined. You may want to use your hands to help all the ingredients bind together.
2. Roll the mixture into small meatballs (slightly larger than a golf ball size) and place on a dish until finished.
3. Heat a large pan and add the oil. Pan fry the meatballs until golden brown on all sides. Cook for 7 or so minutes.
4. Add 1/2 cup chicken broth; cover and reduce heat to low. Cook until liquid is almost completely absorbed, about another 7 minutes. Add remaining 1/4 cup broth and increase heat to medium; cook, uncovered, until liquid is absorbed. 
5. You can either serve the meatballs now or add in a jar of tomato pasta sauce to serve with rice. 

Jessica Alba and her two daughters