Sassy Saucy Meatballs!

• Friday, August 20th, 2010
• by Carol

This fantastic recipe was provided to us by our friend and local foodie, Cindy Cook and I believe it came from Eating Well magazine.  I tailored it to suit our paleo palettes...WARNING:  these babies are addictive, protein-packed and just plain delicious...not to mention, easy as paleo pie to make and they contain that super-awesome ingredient:  coconut milk...We made 6 lbs. of these at the beach for family and they were gobbled up mighty quick...Bon appetit!

 

Lion’s Head Meatballs:

 

1 cup coconut milk

2 1/2 tablespoons wheat-free soy sauce

1 tablespoon curry powder

1 pound lean ground pork, or beef (use pork - much moister!!)

1/2 cup chopped scallions

1/4 cup minced leek, white and pale green part only

1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh ginger

2 teaspoons seeded and minced fresh chile pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper

2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 medium head Boston or iceberg lettuce

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, or Thai basil

1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest

 

PREPARATION

1.Combine coconut milk, soy sauce and curry powder in a large saucepan. Set aside.

2.Place pork (or beef), scallions, leek, sesame oil, ginger, chile, salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Knead by hand until thoroughly combined and the mixture becomes sticky. Divide into 10 equal portions, about 1/4 cup each. Roll each portion into a ball.

3.Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, swirling to coat the sides. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.  I bake mine at 350 degress for 40 minutes or so...

4.Bring the coconut-milk mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs; cover, reduce heat to low and cook for 8 minutes.

5.Line a serving bowl with lettuce leaves. Arrange the meatballs on top. Garnish with basil and lemon zest. Serve hot with the coconut-milk sauce drizzled over the top or on the side for dipping.

 

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The beginings of serious scrumptiousness...