Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce, a perfect dish for chilly autumn evenings. These savory turkey meatballs are enveloped in a rich, creamy pumpkin sauce that embodies the essence of fall with every bite. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough to pair with pasta, gnocchi, or a bed of grains, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings. Packed with protein and vitamins, this nourishing meal is sure to warm your heart and satisfy your palate.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups (slightly heaping) fresh breadcrumbs (or panko breadcrumbs)
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 cup finely minced onion
- 4 garlic cloves, pressed through garlic press
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan
- 1 large whole egg plus 1 yolk
- 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey (dark meat, 93/7 ratio lean to fat)
- 1 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil or avocado oil for brushing over top and lightly frying
- 2 tablespoons ghee or unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup finely minced onion
- 6 cloves garlic, pressed through garlic press
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 (15 ounce) can plus 1 cup organic pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to your taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 3/4 cups chicken stock
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
Instructions
- In a large bowl, soak breadcrumbs in milk for 2–3 minutes. Mix in minced onion, garlic, sage, parsley, Italian seasoning, parmesan cheese, egg, and yolk until combined.
- Add ground turkey along with salt and pepper; mix gently until just combined. Chill the mixture for 20–25 minutes.
- Shape into meatballs and lightly fry in a skillet until cooked through.
- For the sauce, sauté onion and garlic in ghee (or butter) and olive oil. Add pumpkin puree and chicken stock; simmer gently.
- Stir in cream, maple syrup, and sage before adding cooked meatballs back into the sauce.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 meatballs with sauce (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: For added flavor, experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary. Serve over your favorite pasta or grains for a hearty meal.