Turkey meatballs and rice

Method

1. Cut the bread into small cubes and put in a mixing bowl. Sprinkle over the milk and leave to soak for 5 mins. Add the turkey, carrot and garlic, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Shape the mixture into 20 small balls and set aside.
2. Tip the plum tomatoes into a blender or food processor, add the tomato paste and purée until smooth. Pour into a large, heavy-based saucepan then add the stock and bay leaf and bring to the boil.
3. Stir in the rice and cook briskly for 5 mins, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Carefully drop in the meatballs, cover the pan and simmer for a further 8-10 mins, or until both the meatballs and rice are cooked.
4. Remove the bay leaf, stir in the parsley, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Spoon onto warmed plates and serve straight away with freshly cooked vegetables and slices of Italian-style bread such as focaccia or ciabatta for larger appetites.

Cook's tip: The meatballs may be made up to 24 hours before cooking. Shape and place on baking parchment (otherwise they'll stick) on a plate, then cover and keep refrigerated. You could also make double quantity and freeze half. Open-freeze the raw meatballs on a non-stick baking tray, then transfer to a freezer container. Separate and defrost overnight in the refrigerator or for 2 hours at room temperature. Recipe by Catherine Atkinson, author of Healthy Meals for Healthy Kids