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These gluten-free meatballs with sweet & sour sauce are a go-to meal for us. Not only are they wheat-free (a requirement for my husband’s arthritis), they are easy (no browning in a pan before baking) and they use healthy, real-food ingredients. 

These also work great for many of my clients with food allergies or who are using LEAP/MRT to pin down their food sensitivities, heal their guts, and improve joint pain. The recipe is easily adaptable for LEAP diet protocols, and AIP or paleo eating plans. I will include some substitution options in the recipe. 

I love that the meatballs sneak in some oh-so-important dark orange veggies. And the sweet and sour sauce is simple to whip up with zero added sugars. It even throws in some anti-inflammatory foods like bone broth, turmeric and ginger.

This recipe is one of those great family-friendly recipes that even my kids love. I usually serve the sauce and meatballs separately so everyone can add as much or as little sauce as they like, and we can keep everyone happy.

This makes a quick, easy meal served over a bed of steamed rice or quinoa, and fresh stir-fried vegetables which you can buy pre-cut in most produce sections these days. 

I’d love to know what you think. Leave a comment below. 

Recipe adapted from http://theemancipatedepicure.weebly.com/blog/sweet-sour-meatballs.

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Sweet & Sour Gluten Free Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Without any further delay, here is the recipe!

Gluten Free Turkey Meatballs with Sweet & Sour Sauce

A mix of delicious and healthy that the whole family will love. This recipe is very easily adaptable to any food sensitivities you may have.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Keyword: 30 minute meals, AIP, gluten free
Servings: 5 people
Calories: 339kcal

Equipment

  • blender or food processor

Ingredients

Meatballs

  • 1 lb. ground turkey, beef, chicken, or pork
  • 1/2 cup sweet potato puree Leftover mashed sweet potato works great. Or microwave a sweet potato and mash it up.
  • 1 tsp. balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp. sea salt
  • 1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
  • 2 tsp. onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp. black pepper optional
  • 1/2 tsp. mustard powder optional

Sweet & Sour Sauce

  • 4 cups fresh or canned pineapple cubes (about 1/2 a pineapple)
  • 1/2 cup bone broth, cool
  • 3 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp. 2 tsp. raw honey
  • 3 tsp. fresh, grated ginger
  • 3 tsp. arrowroot starch or cornstarch
  • 1/4 tsp. turmeric powder
  • sprinkle of salt

Instructions

Meatballs

  • Preheat the oven to 450F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  • Place all ingredients in a medium mixing bowl and knead until fully combined.
  • Take 1 Tbsp. of mixture at a time and roll into balls. Place evenly on the baking sheet.
  • Bake for 12-15 min. (They are done when cooked through and starting to brown.) While they are baking, make the sauce.

Sweet & Sour Sauce

  • Puree pineapple in a blender or food processor (you should end up with 1 cup pineapple puree).
  • In a small bowl or cup, stir together bone broth and arrowroot starch or cornstarch. Put into a large saucepan along with the pineapple and the rest of the ingredients. Whisk together.
  • Cook over medium heat, constantly whisking until the sauce has boiled and thickened.

Notes

Great served with stir-fried fresh veggies and steamed rice or quinoa.
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Someone needs this!