Baked Turkey Meatballs With Peperonata

Total Time: 55 mins Preparation Time: 25 mins Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients

• 3 slices italian bread, torn into pieces (1 cup)
• 1/3 cup milk
• 3 ounces sliced pancetta, finely chopped
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 large egg
• 1 lb ground turkey or 1 lb chicken
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon chicago seasoning (optional)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• salt & pepper
• 2 large red bell peppers, cut into strips
• 1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 1/2 tablespoons drained capers
• 1 teaspoon red-wine vinegar
• 1/8 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes (optional)

Recipe

• 1 for meatballs:.
• 2 preheat oven to 400º f. with racks in upper & lower thirds.
• 3 soak bread in milk in a small bowl until softened, about 4 minutes.
• 4 cook pancetta, onion, garlic in 1 tablespoon oil with 1/2 teaspoon each of salt & pepper in 10" skillet over medium heat until onion is softened, about 6 minutes. cool slightly.
• 5 squeeze bread to remove excess milk, then discard milk. lightly beat egg in a large bowl, then combine turkey (or chicken), pancetta mixture, bread, & parsley.
• 6 form (about) 12 meatballs (depending on the size you prefer) & arrange on a cookie sheet, sprayed with pam, if you prefer, but not necessary. start from the middle and work your way out. i don't usually fill an entire pan.
• 7 stir together tomato paste & remaining tablespoon oil & brush over meatballs.
• 8 bake in upper third of oven until meatballs are just cooked through. about 15-20 minutes.
• 9 while meatballs are baking, heat 1 tablespoon oil in large skillet set on medium-high. mix capers, vinegar, remaining oil, & pepper flakes in small bowl & set aside. add bell peppers to skillet and cook until slightly charred & semi-soft, tossing occasionally. about 20 minutes. take off heat and toss with caper mixture. let cool.
• 10 once meatballs are done, place on toasted bun & serve with a nice helping of peppers.
• 11 note: i've found that these meatballs work well as a sandwich with the peppers or by themselves with the peppers on the side.