Watch Allison Stockel prepare a heart-healthy meal on The Dr. Oz Show

Once a a health expert on "The Oprah Winfrey Show," Dr. Mehmet Oz, aka “Dr. Oz”, launched his own show in 2009. It has become wildly popular.

Today at 2pm, you can tune in and see The Ridgefield Playhouse Executive Director Allison Stockel on the show.

“Producers are always looking for guests for the show. I was planning on going anyway so I offered to be a guest. She [the producer] went on my Facebook page to check me out and followed up with a phone call,” explains Stockel.

“It was fun and anything that promotes healthy eating habits is absolutely necessary,” says Stockel. In the segment, Stockel prepares a flavorful black bean spaghetti and turkey meatballs dish that is packed with protein and is a fantastic alternative to pasta.  “I make a black bean pasta recipe that I love. The beans hold up so well, they are not soggy and they are high in protein and low in fat,” explains Stockel. See the complete recipe below.

“The way we eat needs to be radically overhauled and this is a step in the right direction,” proclaims Stockel.

Recipe for black bean spaghetti and turkey meatballs

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1/4 cup onion, chopped
• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 2 tbsp Italian parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups tomato sauce, homemade or store-bought
• 2 cups spinach, washed
• 1 package black bean spaghetti noodles

Directions

Combine turkey, onion, breadcrumbs, eggs, cheese, garlic, salt, pepper, and parsley in a large bowl. Mix with hands and form into small meatballs (about 25-30 meatballs) and place on tray.

In large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. In batches, brown the meatballs for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Use tongs to gently rotate the meatballs so they brown evenly. Place on plate once they’ve been browned to drain any excess oil.

Place meatballs back into pan and add tomato sauce.

Cover pan and allow meatballs and sauce to simmer for another 10 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through. 

Add spinach.

While meatballs and sauce are cooking, prepare package of black bean spaghetti noodles according to package instructions.

Serve meatballs on top of noodles.

 

Tune into The Dr. Oz Show at 2pm today on Fox 5.