Barbecue Turkey Quinoa Meatballs

I think I've found the new party meatball!

And maybe a tad bit healthier?

Who really knows.  I'll just let you decide.  Have you ever tried quinoa?  Its only entered our palate in the last year or so, but we have really grown to love it.  We'll often eat it with grilled chicken or as any replacement for rice.

Want to know what it is?  Read here.

Between my love for the show Nashville {did you see that season finale?} and my need to be obsessed with all foodie books {this one, and most recently this one}......quinoa is giving them both a run for their money.  It is a great side, but most recently became a "filler" for these meatballs.

Who knew?

Oh, and I didn't even mention my love of cooking for people.  Not in the 'chef' way.  But just the 'take-a-meal-over-to-a-busy-family' kind of way.

Recently I spent 12 hours with a friend stocking her freezer with meals.  Next weekend I'm doing the same thing for my sister.  I'm starting to see a trend here....

But anyway, here's to the balls.

Enjoy.

Feel free to baste these meatballs in my 3 Minute Pantry BBQ Sauce, because well, it's easy, and homemade and delicious.  Or use whatever is in your fridge door.  I won't judge.

Barbecue Turkey Quinoa Meatballs

{Print this Recipe!}

1 lb. ground turkey

2 cloves garlic

1 small carrot

1/4 c. fresh cilantro

1 slice whole wheat bread (or any stale bread)

3/4 c. cooked quinoa

pinch salt/pepper

1 t. onion powder

olive oil

barbecue sauce

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a food processor combine garlic, carrot, cilantro, bread and a drizzle of olive oil.  In a bowl sprinkle salt, pepper and onion powder over ground turkey.  Add in pureed vegetable/bread/oil mixture, along with cooked quinoa.

Shape into small meatballs (makes about 40 total) and place on a greased baking sheet or one covered in parchment paper.  Bake for 15 minutes.  Turn over meatballs and bake another 15 minutes.  Baste in barbecue sauce and bake another 5 minutes.

Serve as an appetizer, or with a side dish such as rice, mashed potatoes or salad greens.