Chicken Meatballs

Food has always been a focal point of every society. However, it does not always provide people with proper nutrition for a good start for most social interaction. A traditional family gathers around the table for meals to share a family quality time. Many churches serve hot meals for the homeless. Many events either big or small start with food. Americans use and abuse food to the point that they become overweight or develop diabetes. They do not know the difference between eating food for pleasure or for nutrition, and many of them do not know how to distinguish between good taste and good nutrition. My love affair with food always believes in simple and healthy recipes. The most important lesson to learn in cooking the healthy way is not to depend on fat to get flavor. There are so many substitute ingredients to combine and to flavor the food. I think this recipe speaks volumes.

Ingredients:
Sauce
32 oz marinara sauce (Costco brand)
4 pieces of sliced button mushrooms
Meat balls ingredients
1 pound ground chicken breast meat
1/4 cup chopped onions
1/4 cup chopped celery
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh oregano or 1/2 tsp dried
1 tbs fresh basil or 1/2 tsp dried
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
1/2 cup cooked brown rice
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Combine meatball ingredients and shape into 1-inch balls.

In a large saucepan, add 2 tbs olive oil. Pan-fry meatballs until golden brown.

 Pour marinara sauce on top of pan-fried meatballs, add the pieces of sliced button mushrooms, and bring to boil.

 Cover and simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes. Serve meatballs by themselves or with pasta, such as spaghetti, penne, or angel hair. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.