Prepare the Vegetables:

1. Finely grate the onion, bell pepper, carrot, and zucchini. You can use a box grater or food processor to make sure the vegetables are small enough to blend easily into the meat mixture, ensuring a smooth texture that toddlers will enjoy.

Mix the Meatball Ingredients:

1. In a spacious mixing bowl, blend together the ground turkey, your choice of breadcrumbs or flour, grated Parmesan cheese, finely shredded vegetables, minced garlic, and a medley of spices including Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the egg if using to help bind the mixture together.
3. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything until well combined.

Form the Meatballs:

1. Using your hands, roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter—perfectly sized for toddlers. If the mixture feels too sticky, you can lightly wet your hands with water to make rolling easier.

Cook the Meatballs:

1. Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat.
2. Carefully place the meatballs in the skillet in small batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan for even cooking.
3. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, turning gently until they are golden brown and cooked through, approximately 10-12 minutes total.
4. You can also bake the meatballs at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes if you prefer a healthier, oil-free option.

Serve:

1. Let the meatballs cool slightly before serving to your toddler. They can be served plain, with their favorite dip, or alongside pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.