Hidden Veggie Turkey Meatballs with Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of water (about 4 quarts) to a boil over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of salt. Preheat your oven broiler on high and lightly grease a large baking sheet with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

Wash and trim 1 medium zucchini and peel 2 medium carrots. Using the finest holes on a box grater, finely grate both vegetables. Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and squeeze firmly over the sink to remove as much excess moisture as possible.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the 3 lb ground turkey, squeezed grated zucchini, grated carrots, 2 large eggs, 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1.5 teaspoons of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Gently mix with your hands until just combined; do not overwork the meat.

Roll the turkey mixture into approximately 40 small meatballs (about 1.25 inches in diameter). Arrange them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Broil on the top oven rack for 8 to 10 minutes, turning once halfway through, until lightly browned and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.

While the meatballs are broiling, add 12 oz uncooked spaghetti pasta to the boiling water. Cook for 8 to 9 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.

In a medium saucepan, combine 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Simmer gently over medium-low heat for 8 minutes.

Once the meatballs are done, carefully remove them from the oven. Count out exactly half of the meatballs (about 20 meatballs, representing 1.5 lb) and transfer them to an airtight container. Let them cool, then seal and store in the refrigerator to reserve for Day 3's lunch.

Add the remaining 20 meatballs and the drained spaghetti directly into the warm tomato sauce. Toss gently to coat, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Serve immediately.