Turkey Meatballs Over Greens

Turkey Meatballs Over Greens
Adapted from The Kitchn
1.3 LBS ground turkey
1/2 Small onion, grated (about 1/4 cup grated onion)
1 Egg
1/3 Cup breadcrumbs
1/4 Cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
2 Cloves garlic, minced
1 TSP salt
1/2 TSP pepper
2 TBS chopped, fresh parsley
2 TBS olive oil
2 Cups tomato sauce (see recipe below)
2 LBS greens (broccoli rabe, kale, mustard greens, or a mixture), washed, de-veined, and roughly chopped

Basic Tomato Sauce 
Adapted from The Kitchn
2 TBS extra-virgin olive oil
1 Medium onion, diced
4 Garlic cloves, minced
1 (28 OZ) can whole or chopped tomatoes, with juices
1/4 TSP dried red pepper flakes
1 TBS grated lemon peel (about 1/2 lemon)
1/4 Cup chopped fresh flat-leaf Italian parsley
Salt and fresh group pepper to taste

If you think you always need to serve pasta with meatballs, this recipe will totally change your mind.  These meatballs can stand on their own with this zingy sauce, so you won't even miss those extra carbs!  I never would have thought to add lemon zest to tomato sauce before, but it really adds a nice brightness that works well with ground turkey and bitter greens. 
 
For the sauce, heat oil in a large sauce pan over medium heat.  Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes.  Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.  Add the tomatoes and their juices and bring to a boil.  Stir in the crushed red pepper and zest, let simmer for 20 minutes.  Season with salt and pepper and stir in parsley.  This will keep in the fridge for up to 1 week in a tightly-sealed container.

Combine the turkey, onion, egg, breadcrumbs, cheese, garlic, salt, pepper, and parsley in a large bowl. Mix with your hands until combined. divide into 1 1/4-inch balls.

Bring a large pot of water to boil. Salt generously.

Heat olive oil on moderately high heat in a large skillet. Place the meatballs in the skillet and allow to sit until browned on one side, about 3 to 4 minutes. Brown the meatballs on all sides, then continue cooking for about 12 minutes total, rotating them carefully every few minutes.

Reduce the heat to medium, add the tomato sauce, and cover the pan. Simmer the meatballs and sauce for another 10 minutes, until meatballs are cooked through.

While the meatballs are simmering, boil the greens in the salted water for 8 to 10 minutes, until tender. Drain well. Put greens on the plate and top with meatballs and sauce.  Top with a little fresh grated parmesan cheese.