"ToL" Original Recipe: Turkey Meatball Mediterranean Stir-Fry with Tri-Colored Quinoa & Summer Memories

Turkey Meatball Mediterranean Stir-Fry with Tri-Colored Quinoa Recipe

Yields: 7 servings

• 1–2 tablespoons organic extra virgin olive oil

• 1 package organic turkey meatballs

• 1 bag organic frozen Mediterranean-style vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, etc.)

• 2 cups organic arugula

• 1 organic onion, medium diced

• 1 bulb organic garlic, sliced

• 2 cups organic tri-colored quinoa

• Sea salt, to taste

• Black pepper, to taste

• Garlic pepper seasoning, to taste

Kitchen Equipment

• Mixing bowls/cups/spoons for mise en place (“everything in its place”) ingredients

• Medium pot

• Cutting board

• Chef knife

• Rice cooker

• Kitchen shears

• Rice paddle

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• Serving bowls

• Forks

• Spoons

Cooking Instructions

1. Sanitize the kitchen (sink, countertops, handles, smart devices, etc.).

2. Peel and chop the garlic.

3. Peel and dice the onions, medium dice.

4. Rinse 1 cup of tri-colored quinoa under cold water in a fine strainer.

5. Cook quinoa in a rice cooker.

6. Heat 1–2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium-sized pot.

7. Add the onions and garlic to the skillet and sauté until they are fragrant and softened.

8. Add the package of pre-cooked turkey meatballs and brown them.

9. Add the frozen Mediterranean vegetables and stir occasionally until they are heated through and slightly tender.

10. Add the arugula and stir just until it is wilted.

11. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and garlic pepper to taste.

12. Serve quinoa and stir-fry into bowls.

A Little Note on Summer

Summer is one of my favorite seasons. Something about the long days, golden sunsets, and relaxing BBQs makes everything feel lighter. Some of my best memories were made during this time of year—family trips to Las Vegas as a kid, wandering through outlet malls, riding indoor rides at Circus Circus, and traveling abroad to experience sunsets at 10 pm.

But beyond the trips and adventures, summer is also about taking time to slow down. It’s a time to reconnect with people we love, nature, and ourselves. Whether it’s a quiet moment on the porch or a shared meal outdoors, summer reminds me that life doesn’t have to be complicated to feel good.

This simple Mediterranean stir-fry with turkey meatballs and tri-colored quinoa is one of those feel-good, no-fuss meals perfect for summer nights. It's light, colorful, and full of flavor—just how I like my summers.

Cheers!

Gini x

22 June 2025