Yield: about 30 meatball – ▢2 pounds (907 g) ground chicken thigh, turkey or lean beef – ▢8 ounces (225 g) whole milk ricotta cheese, excess liquid drained – ▢½ cup panko, or coarse breadcrumbs – ▢2 large eggs, lightly beaten – ▢¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – ▢½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped, or substitute 2 teaspoons dried basil or chopped fresh parsley – ▢2 teaspoons grated or finely chopped garlic – ▢¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, or crushed red pepper – ▢Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper – ▢Extra virgin olive oil