Hot 'n Zesty Spaghetti and Meatballs


Lets talk about the health benefits of those hot and  spicy little fruits called, peppers.  The active ingredient in peppers is called capsaicin.  Capsaicin is a thermogenic agent, which means it increases metabolic activity. This, in turn, helps to burn calories and fat. Many popular "fat-burning" supplements on the market contain capsaicin, as the substance may significantly increase metabolic activity for over 20 minutes after it's eaten. In recent studies published in Cancer Research found that capsaicin caused cancer cells to commit suicide. The substance caused almost 80 percent of prostate cancer cells to die in mice, and prostate tumors treated with capsaicin were about one-fifth the size of those in untreated mice.  Capsaicin may help to protect the heart by reducing cholesterol, triglycerides and platelet aggregation. It may also help the body dissolve fibrin, which is necessary for blood clots to form. Further, cultures around the world that use hot peppers liberally in their meals have significantly lower rates of heart attack and stroke than cultures that do not. Aside from those great facts, it's also provides pain relief by releasing endorphins in the brain. Studies have found that capsaicin both relieves and prevents cluster headaches, migraine headaches and sinus headaches as well. The capsaicin is not affected through cooking or freezing so prepare as you wish and enjoy those spicy little fruits.  

1/2 lb whole wheat spaghetti noodles (cook as directed)

1 yellow squash, sliced thin
1 green inferno hybrid Hungarian hot pepper, sliced thin
1 yellow inferno hybrid Hungarian hot pepper, sliced thin
2 cups spinach
1/4 cup sliced carrots
1 small yellow onion, sliced thin
2 cans of Del Monte, no salt added, diced tomatoes
1 tsp honey
2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
splash of olive oil

Meatballs:
1/2 lb Jenny-O ground turkey 
1 slice of whole grain bread
1 egg white
1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
pinch of salt
fresh ground black pepper

Preheat large skillet and boil water in a large stock pot, as directed on box prepare the noodles.

In a food processor grind up slice of bread into bread crumbs. Add turkey burger, seasoning, salt and pepper.  Pulse until incorporated then add egg white and blend until  forms a ball.

Swirl about 1 to 2 tbsp of olive oil around in the skillet. Form meat into balls and place gently into skillet.  Brown all sides, add in onion and yellow squash.  Stir. Add in peppers and carrots. Saute the sliced veggies with the meatballs for about 5-8 minutes then, add the diced tomatoes.  Reduce heat to medium, cover and let cook for about 10-15 minutes then add in honey, stir then add the spinach on top and cover.  Cook until spinach is wilted then stir in the parmesan cheese while mixing in the now wilted spinach.  Serve over the noodles.

1 comments:

Unknown said...

sounds super yummy! I can't wait to try this one!

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