Turkey and Mushroom Meatball Sub

Introduction:

Dive into the comforting flavors of this Turkey and Mushroom Meatball Sub, where juicy turkey meatballs meet the earthy richness of mushrooms, all nestled in a toasted sub roll and smothered in marinara sauce and melted cheese. This recipe offers a lighter take on the classic meatball sub, incorporating mushrooms for added flavor and moisture.

Ingredients:

• For the Meatballs:
  • 1 lb (450g) ground turkey
  • 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped (preferably cremini or button)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, for frying
• For the Sub:
  • 4 sub rolls, split and lightly toasted
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatballs:
   • In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, finely chopped mushrooms, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until evenly combined.
   • Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs. This should yield around 16 to 20 meatballs.
2. Cook the Meatballs:
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meatballs are evenly browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Simmer with Marinara Sauce:
   • In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and add the marinara sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer, then return the meatballs to the skillet. Coat them in the sauce and let simmer for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
4. Assemble the Subs:
   • Preheat your broiler. Place the split, toasted sub rolls on a baking sheet. Spoon the meatballs along with some marinara sauce into each roll. Top each sub with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese.
   • Broil the subs for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
5. Garnish and Serve:
   • Garnish each sub with fresh basil leaves. Serve hot, accompanied by extra marinara sauce on the side if desired.

Pro Myco-Tip:

Incorporating mushrooms into the meatballs not only adds a boost of umami flavor but also keeps the turkey meat moist and tender, as turkey can sometimes become dry due to its low fat content. For an extra mushroomy flavor, consider sautéing the chopped mushrooms before adding them to the meatball mixture.

Enjoy your Turkey and Mushroom Meatball Sub as a delightful twist on the traditional, offering a lighter yet equally satisfying gourmet experience.