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Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce

Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce

  • Author: Fleck
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce is a heartwarming dish that captures the essence of fall with its savory flavors. Juicy turkey meatballs are enveloped in a rich pumpkin sage sauce, creating a cozy meal perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners. This recipe combines lean ground turkey with aromatic herbs and creamy pumpkin, resulting in a dish that is both nutritious and indulgent. Easy to prepare and versatile in serving options, you can pair these meatballs with pasta, grains, or fresh vegetables for a delightful dining experience. The warm notes of sage and pumpkin will make this a favorite on your table as the seasons change.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups 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
  • Fried sage leaves, optional garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, soak fresh breadcrumbs in milk for 2–3 minutes.
  2. Add minced onion, garlic, sage, parsley, Italian seasoning, parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper; mix until combined.
  3. Gently fold in ground turkey without overmixing. Chill mixture for 20–25 minutes.
  4. Form meatballs and sear them in olive oil until browned on all sides.
  5. Prepare the pumpkin sage sauce by sautéing onion and garlic, then whisking in pumpkin puree and chicken stock.
  6. Combine seared meatballs with the sauce; simmer to heat through before serving.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 meatballs with sauce (250g)
  • Calories: 390
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: For gluten-free options, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free varieties. You can enhance flavor by adding finely chopped vegetables like spinach or zucchini to the meatball mixture.

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Find it online: https://cheffleck.com/turkey-meatballs-in-pumpkin-sage-sauce/