Italian Meatbll Sliders with Spinach and Mozzarella Salad

1 ..........................tablespoon olive oil
3 .........................garlic cloves , minced
3 .........................shallots , finely minced
1/3.......................cup part-skim ricotta cheese
1/4 ......................cup chopped fresh persley
1/4 ......................cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs) toasted
1/2 ......................teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/8 ......................teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/8 ......................teaspoon salt
8 .........................ounces lean ground pork (optional) ground turkey
2 ........................(4 0unce) links turkey Italian sausage , casing removed
1 .........................large egg
1-1/2 ...................cups lower-sodium marinara sauce
12 ......................slider buns , toasted ( very small Hamburger buns)
12 ......................basil leaves
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1) Heat 1 teaspoon oil in large skillet over medium heat ; swirl to coat . Add garlic and shallots to pan ; saute 3 minutes or until shallots are softened , stirring frequently . Combine shallots mixture , ricotta and next 8 ingredients (through egg) in a medium boowl . Shape mixture into 12 (1 inch) meatballs , flatten each meatball slightly .
2) Return pan to medium-high heat . Add remaining 2 teaspoons oil to pan . Add meatballs to pan ; cook 6 minutes , turning once . Add marinara sauce ; bring to a boil , scraping pan to loosen browned bits . Cover , reduce heat and simmer 8 minutes or until meatballs are done . Top bottom half of each bun with 1 1/2 tablespoons sauce , 1 meatball , 1 basil leaf , and top half of bun .
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**************Spinach and Mozzarella Salad
Combine one cup julienne-cut red bell pepper , 1 sliced red onion , 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon balamic vinegar in a large bowel ; let stand 15 minutes . Add 6 cups baby spinach , 1/4 teaspoon salt and 3/4 teaspoon black pepper . Toss . Top with 6 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mozzarella .
Serves 6
Heart healthy