Mediterranean-Style Turkey Meatloaf
This delectable Mediterranean-Style Turkey Meatloaf is a healthy twist on a classic dish, perfect for those following the Specific Carbohydrate Diet. Packed with nutritious ingredients, this meatloaf is enriched with protein from ground turkey, while the spinach and aromatic vegetables add fiber and essential vitamins. The creamy yogurt and zesty lemon juice contribute to the dish's moist texture and vibrant flavor profile, making it a delightful family meal that adheres to the dietary guidelines of IBD/IBS management. Serve it with a side of fresh veggies or a mixed salad for a well-balanced dinner that's both satisfying and beneficial for gut health.
N/A
Servings
483
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen chopped spinach
10 ounces (Thawed and excess moisture squeezed out)
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (For sautéing)
Onion
1 (Chopped finely)
Garlic
2 cloves (Finely minced (or substitute with 1 tsp. garlic powder))
Eggs
3 (Large)
Yogurt
1/4 cup (Plain, unsweetened)
Lemon juice
2 teaspoons (Freshly squeezed)
Salt
2 1/2 teaspoons (To taste)
Pepper
1 teaspoon (To taste)
Basil
1 tablespoon (Dried or fresh, chopped)
Ground turkey
3 lbs (Lean)
Parmesan cheese
2 cups (Grated (or substitute with provolone))
Italian-style tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (Pureed, sugar-free)
Tomato paste
1 (8 ounce) can (Sugar-free)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Thaw the frozen spinach thoroughly and squeeze out any excess moisture. Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic cloves.
3
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until they are fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
4
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, yogurt, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and basil until well combined.
5
Add the thawed spinach, sautéed onion and garlic, ground turkey, and grated cheese to the bowl. Mix everything together thoroughly until evenly combined.
6
Transfer the mixture to a baking pan, shaping it into a loaf approximately 9x5 inches in size.
7
Spread the pureed Italian-style tomatoes and tomato paste evenly over the top of the meatloaf to create a flavorful glaze.
8
Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 180°F (82°C). Let it cool slightly before slicing.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
20g
Carbs
43g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean-Style Turkey Meatloaf?
It is a healthy, SCD-compliant twist on a classic meatloaf made with ground turkey, spinach, and aromatic vegetables.
Is this recipe suitable for the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD)?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed to adhere to the dietary guidelines of the Specific Carbohydrate Diet.
How many calories are in a serving of this meatloaf?
Each serving contains approximately 483 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
This meatloaf provides about 43g of protein per serving.
How much ground turkey is required?
You will need 3 lbs of lean ground turkey for this recipe.
Can I substitute fresh garlic with powder?
Yes, you can substitute the 2 fresh cloves of garlic with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
What is the recommended baking temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How long should I bake the meatloaf?
Bake the meatloaf for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
What should the internal temperature of the meatloaf be when done?
The meatloaf should reach an internal temperature of 180 degrees Fahrenheit or 82 degrees Celsius.
Why is yogurt included in the meatloaf recipe?
Yogurt contributes to the meatloaf's moist texture and provides a vibrant, creamy flavor profile.
How do I prepare the frozen spinach for the mix?
Thaw the spinach thoroughly and squeeze out all excess moisture before adding it to the mixing bowl.
Can I use a different cheese instead of Parmesan?
Yes, the recipe allows for substituting the grated Parmesan cheese with provolone.
What ingredients make up the flavorful glaze?
The glaze is made from a combination of pureed sugar-free Italian-style tomatoes and sugar-free tomato paste.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Mediterranean-style turkey meatloaf is gluten-free as it contains no grain-based binders.
How much fat is in one serving of this dish?
There are 20g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 20g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe beneficial for gut health?
Yes, it is beneficial for gut health and suitable for managing conditions like IBD and IBS.
What size should the meatloaf be shaped into before baking?
Transfer the mixture to a baking pan and shape it into a loaf approximately 9x5 inches in size.
Can I use fresh basil instead of dried basil?
Yes, you can use 1 tablespoon of either dried basil or freshly chopped basil.
What kind of yogurt should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of plain, unsweetened yogurt.
How many eggs does the recipe require?
The recipe requires 3 large eggs to act as a binder.
Should the tomato products be sugar-free?
Yes, to adhere to SCD guidelines, both the pureed tomatoes and the tomato paste must be sugar-free.
What specific type of tomatoes are used for the top glaze?
Use one 14.5-ounce can of sugar-free pureed Italian-style tomatoes.
What nutrients do the vegetables provide in this recipe?
The spinach and aromatic vegetables provide essential fiber and vitamins.
How can I prevent the meatloaf from becoming too watery?
It is crucial to squeeze out any excess moisture from the thawed spinach as thoroughly as possible.
What are some recommended side dishes for this meatloaf?
It is best served with a side of fresh vegetables or a mixed salad for a well-balanced meal.
Is lemon juice a necessary ingredient?
Yes, 2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice help contribute to the dish's vibrant flavor and moist texture.
How much olive oil is used to sauté the aromatics?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of olive oil to sauté the onion and garlic.
How much salt and pepper should be added?
The recipe suggests 2.5 teaspoons of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper, but you can adjust to taste.
Does the meatloaf need to cool before slicing?
Yes, let the meatloaf cool slightly after baking to ensure it holds its shape when sliced.