Spring Pasta with Ramps and Turkey Meatballs

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As promised, I am rolling out recipes for some of my favorite family meals.  This one is a huge hit with my toddler because it has "noodeeze" and turkey meatballs.  She isn't so keen on the tomatoes, but I reserve those for my husband and I.  Also, the finely chopped greens that end up on the "noodeeze" are a great way to sneak some greens into her picky little mouth.  Ramps are only around in the spring and early summer so get 'em while the gettin' is good!  

 

Turkey Meatballs

Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients: 

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1/4 cup bread crumbs
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 3 tbsp fresh minced basil
  • 1 clove minced garlic
  • 1/4 cup finely minced yellow onion

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a large bowl combine all of the ingredients with your hands.  Roll into 1 inch balls and place on a greased baking sheet.  Bake for 25 minutes.

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Summer Pasta

Yield:  Serves 4

Ingredients: 

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 summer squash
  • 1 zucchini
  • 1 1/2 cups halved cherry or grape tomatoes
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1/2 cup chopped ramps
  • 3 cups chopped spinach
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 lb cooked spaghetti noodles

 

Put olive oil in pan, heat over medium heat until oil is hot.  Add squash and zucchini and brown.  Add tomatoes and cook until all the vegetables are tender.  Add basil, ramps, garlic and spinach and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes or just until the greens are cooked.   In a large bowl, pour the vegetables over the noodles and toss.  Add the meatballs to the dish and serve.

 

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