Chicken Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Recipe from Everyday Food Magazine
Adapted and Husband-Tested in Alice's Kitchen
Serves 4

The boneless, skinless chicken thighs at Lost River Market & Deli are handy for just this sort of dish. This is a better-for-you version of spaghetti and meatballs, but that doesn't mean it isn't yummy. This passed the husband test. My hubby and I both thought these meatballs tasted even better the next day. I adapted this recipe using ingredients I had in my pantry. I've listed the changes I made in bold font. I served these meatballs along side Spaghetti Squash with Garlic (recipe on this blog) instead of pasta, which made this dinner even healthier. If spaghetti squash isn't available, serve it over whole wheat pasta.

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
1 slice white sandwich bread, crumbled (I used a slice of whole wheat bread.)
1/4 cup milk (Unless a recipe specifically calls for something else, I always use skim milk.)
1 large egg white (I used a whole egg because my refrigerator was full of eggs from my friends' chickens.)
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (I always use fresh, NOT that stuff from the can!)
3/4 teaspoon dried oregano (You can use any mixture of dried herbs normally used on pizza.)
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 can (28 ounces) whole tomatoes in puree (I used the "Local Folks" Spaghetti Sauce with Basil.)

Place chicken thighs in a food processor, and pulse until meat is coarsely ground.
Add bread, milk, egg, cheese, oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; process until meat is finely ground.
With moistened hands, shape mixture into 12 meatballs. (I was able to make many more golf ball-size meatballs.) In a large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add meatballs, and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
Add tomatoes and puree, breaking them up with your fingers; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer; cover, and cook 15 minutes. Uncover; simmer until meatballs are cooked through, about 15 minutes more.