Description
Indulge in the warmth of autumn with these savory Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce. This hearty dish is a delightful blend of tender turkey meatballs and a rich, creamy pumpkin sauce, infused with fragrant sage. Perfect for cozy dinners and festive gatherings, these meatballs can be enjoyed over pasta, rice, or even on their own for a low-carb option. With easy preparation steps and healthy ingredients, this recipe is sure to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- Fried sage leaves, optional garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Begin by soaking breadcrumbs in milk for 2-3 minutes.
- Combine soaked breadcrumbs with minced onion, garlic, sage, parsley, Italian seasoning, parmesan cheese, and eggs in a large bowl.
- Gently mix in ground turkey, salt, and pepper until just combined.
- Form mixture into meatballs and chill for 20-25 minutes.
- Fry meatballs until browned and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Prepare pumpkin sage sauce by sautéing onion and garlic, then adding pumpkin puree, chicken stock, cream, and seasonings.
- Combine cooked meatballs with sauce and serve warm.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Autumn/Fall
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball (60g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For added flavor, use fresh herbs rather than dried. Chill the meatball mixture to maintain shape during cooking. Adjust seasoning to taste for a personalized touch.
