Turkey Meatballs!! :)

As soon as I saw this recipe in Food and Wine I knew I had to make it and soon. Combining an old favorite (meatballs) with a new favorite (dates), plus lentils and yogurt sauce? Done. This is really three recipes in one since the meatballs, lentils, and yogurt sauce each have their own preparation, but it comes together in about an hour.

The meatballs are fairly healthy because they are baked and made from lean turkey, and they get a serious flavor boost from sesame oil, plus a sweet kick from the chopped dates. The lentils could be a good accompaniment to any number of dishes; simmered with a cinnamon stick and garlic then seasoned with sherry vinegar, the lentils come out aromatic and addictive. And the yogurt sauce is a simple but finger-licking good combination of yogurt, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped cilantro or mint. This, too, would be amazing on any number of things. Whatever you do don’t leave it out of this dish; it really brings everything together.

Turkey Meatballs with Dates, Lentils and Yogurt Sauce

Adapted from Food & Wine
Yield: 4 servings according to F&W; 2 according to Evan and I

INGREDIENTS
Turkey Meatballs:
1 pound ground turkey
2 cups fresh bread crumbs*
6 dates, pitted and finely chopped
2 large eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
1 teaspoon Asian sesame oil
Salt and freshly ground pepper

Cinnamon-Garlic Lentils:
1 cup French green lentils
5 garlic cloves, crushed and peeled
1 cinnamon stick
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1½ tablespoons sherry vinegar
2 teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Lemon-Herb Yogurt Sauce:
1 cup plain low-fat yogurt
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons chopped cilantro or mint
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
Salt and freshly ground pepper

http://www.katherinemartinelli.com/blog/2011/turkey-meatballs-with-dates-lentils-and-yogurt-sauce/