Braised Mini Meatballs

(makes 12 servings)

Ingredients:

• 1½ pounds extralean ground beef
• 2 large eggs
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup dry red wine (or reduced-sodium beef broth)
• ¼ cup low-sodium tomato paste
• 2 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
• 2 teaspoon granular sugar substitute

Preparation:

• In a large-size bowl, combine the beef, eggs, onion, parsley, basil, pepper, and salt. Mix well with wooden spoon. Form into 36 meatballs.
• In a large-size skillet over medium-high heat, heat the oil. Add the meatballs (in batches, if necessary) and brown all over, 5-7 minutes.
• Remove to a plate and pour off fat from the skillet. Return the meatballs to skillet and reduce heat to low.
• In a small-size bowl, whisk together the wine (or reduced-sodium beef broth) and tomato paste. Pour over the meatballs. Simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes until the tomato mixture has thickened.
• Add the broth and continue to simmer about 30 minutes. Stir in the sugar substitute. Serve warm or at room temperature. Garnish with additional parsley, if desired.

Make 12 Servings:

Weight loss recipes Amount Per Serving : 120 Calories, 15 g Protein, 3 g Carbohydrates, 0 g Dietary Fiber, 4.5 g Fat, 1.5 g Saturated Fat, 132 mg Sodium