Initially, when we went grain-free, we thought it might be a difficult transition.  Being foodies, we were anxious to understand the perimeters of this life-style approach and how we might use our creativity to still make food that excited us.  When looking for inspiration, I often go to my collection of ethnic cookbooks.  I was not disappointed; we love Middle Eastern, Indian and Mediterranean food.  I was soon mixing up a concoction of ground turkey, shredded zucchini, herbs and garlic into small meatballs that were first browned in a pan, then finished in the oven.  Topped with a soothing sauce of homemade yogurt, sour cream, lemon juice and sumac, they are perfect as an appetizer or served on top of a salad of tomatoes, cucumber, feta and sunflower sprouts.

Moral of the story:  change doesn’t have to be difficult, and little things mean a lot.

Turkey-Zucchini Meatballs With Lemon Sumac Sauce:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 cups shredded zucchini
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 large organic egg
• 2 Tbsp fresh mint, chopped
• 2 Tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, pressed
• 1 tsp cumin seed, toasted and ground
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 2 Tbsp ghee

Lemon Sumac Sauce:

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2/3 cup homemade or Greek yogurt
• 1 tsp grated lemon zest
• 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, pressed
• 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 Tbsp sumac (found in Middle-Eastern grocery stores)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1. First make the lemon-sumac sauce by placing all the ingredients in a small bowl.  Stir well and chill until needed.
2. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.  In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients except the ghee.  Mix with your hands (you will really get a better result) then shape into small meatballs about the size of golf ball.
3. Melt the ghee in a 12 inch skillet on medium-high heat.  Add meatballs, making sure to leave room between them.  Saute on each side until browned, about 4 minutes per side.
4. Place browned meatballs on a cookie-sheet lined with parchment paper.  Place in oven and bake for 7-10 minutes.
5. Place on platter and pass sauce; or place on top of salad.

“THE SECRET OF
CHANGE lS TO FOCUS
ALL OF YOUR ENERGY
NOT ON FIGHTING THE
OLD BUT ON BUILDING
THE NEW.”