Description
Discover the warmth of autumn with these savory Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce. This comforting dish combines juicy turkey meatballs with a creamy pumpkin sage sauce, delivering a delightful blend of flavors perfect for cozy gatherings or weeknight dinners. Packed with nutritious ingredients and autumn spices, this recipe is not just easy to make, but also a healthier alternative to traditional meatball dishes. Serve them over pasta, alongside crusty bread, or on a bed of greens for a versatile meal that will impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups fresh breadcrumbs
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 cup finely minced onion
- 4 garlic cloves, pressed
- 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 and frying
- 2 tablespoons ghee or unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup finely minced onion
- 6 cloves garlic, pressed
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 (15 ounce) can plus 1 cup organic pumpkin puree
- 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
- Fried sage leaves, optional garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine fresh breadcrumbs and milk; let sit for 2-3 minutes.
- Mix in minced onion, garlic, sage, parsley, Italian seasoning, parmesan, and eggs until well combined.
- Gently fold in ground turkey, salt, and pepper until mixed; form into 2-tablespoon-sized balls.
- Chill meatballs on parchment-lined platters for 20-25 minutes.
- Sear meatballs in a hot skillet with olive oil until browned and cooked through.
- For the sauce, sauté onion and garlic in ghee and olive oil; stir in pumpkin puree, chicken stock, salt, pepper, parmesan, heavy cream, and maple syrup until smooth.
- Add cooked meatballs to the sauce; simmer briefly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball (60g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 70mg