Basil & red pepper lean turkey meatballs in a creamy sauce (Dairy free & Gluten Free)

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Meatballs

This recipe is perfect if you fancy meatballs but rather than using pork or beef you want something more lean. Turkey meat is high in protein & low in fat. This is also perfect for those who have a gluten and dairy intolerance.

Ground almonds were used instead of breadcrumbs which make the meatballs delicious and delicate but most importantly gluten free. Almonds are high in healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, protein and various important nutrients that will help you maintain a well nourished diet

Violife_foods vegan cream cheese was used and it has an amazing and light taste. It’s coconut based so dairy free and a really great alternative to normal cream cheese.

Ingredients

  • 500g Lean turkey mince

  • 1 red bell pepper

  • 2 Medium red onion

  • 1 Pack 25g of Basil

  • 2 Cloves of garlic

  • 1 Egg

  • Violife cream cheese

  • 3 Tablespoons of ground almonds

  • 5-6 Sundried tomatoes

  • 1tsp Whole grain mustard

  • Salt

  • Pepper

  • 1tsp Chilli flakes

Preparation

  1. Start by adding the fillings for the meatballs: chop 1 medium onion, 1 red pepper and the basil into very fine pieces then add them into a bowl with the turkey mince.

  2. In the bowl you want to also add; 1 egg, 1tsp of Rock salt, 1 tsp of black pepper, 1 egg, 3 tablespoons of ground almonds and 2 crushed garlic cloves.

  3. Mix the entire content in the bowl thoroughly.

  4. To make the meatballs get a small ice cream scoop (you can use a table spoon if you don’t have one) and begin filling the meatballs on the spoon and rolling it into medium sized balls.

  5. Once all the meatballs have been rolled up place them onto a flat baking tray lined with some baking paper.

  6. Bake the meatballs for 10 minutes at 150 degrees heat.

  7. While the meatballs are in the oven, begin preparing the sauce.

  8. Chop another medium sized red onion and begin to fry in a large heated pan with 1-2 tablespoons of oil of your choice (I used coconut oil).

  9. Sautee the onions until they become translucent then add the Violife cream cheese and stir until the cream cheese turns into a thick liquid consistency.

  10. Into the pan add 1 tablespoon of whole grain mustard and 5-6 chopped sun dried tomatoes.

  11. Add half a cup of water to the sauce and allow to simmer for another 5 minutes.

  12. Remove the meatballs from the oven and place into the cream sauce. Stir well then serve.

  13. I served mine with some mash potatoes, however they can be enjoyed with some pasta or even brown rice.

Nancy Odogwuhealthy, lunch, dinner