Cranberry Meatballs

These sweet and saucy cranberry meatballs are a delightful appetizer to serve when you have friends over. The combination of tender meatballs and tangy cranberry sauce creates a delicious flavor that everyone will enjoy.

INGREDIENTS: For Meatballs:

• 2 pounds (910 g) lean ground beef
• 1 cup (115 g) bread crumbs
• ½ cup (30 g) fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ cup (120 ml) egg substitute
• 1/3 cup (80 g) no-salt-added ketchup
• 3 tablespoons (30 g) minced onions
• 2 tablespoons (28 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon pepper

For Sauce:

• 1 can (16 ounces, or 455 g) whole berry cranberry sauce
• 1½ cups (413 g) chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon (15 g) brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice

PREPARATION:

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, parsley, egg substitute, ketchup, minced onions, soy sauce, garlic powder, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about ½ inch (1.3 cm) to ¾ inch (2 cm) in diameter.
3. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C, or gas mark 2). Place the meatballs in a casserole dish or baking pan and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are nearly cooked through.
4. In a saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
5. Transfer the meatballs to a slow cooker and pour the hot sauce over them.
6. Cook the meatballs on low for 2 hours in the slow cooker, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Yield: 16 servings

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:

• 88 g water
• 229 calories
• 41% from fat
• 23% from protein
• 36% from carbs
• 13 g protein
• 10 g total fat
• 4 g saturated fat
• 4 g monounsaturated fat
• 1 g polyunsaturated fat
• 20 g carbs
• 1 g fiber
• 15 g sugar
• 108 mg phosphorus
• 31 mg calcium
• 2 mg iron
• 85 mg sodium
• 248 mg potassium
• 587 IU vitamin A
• 0 mg ATE vitamin E
• 8 mg vitamin C
• 39 mg cholesterol

Note: The nutritional information provided is approximate and may vary based on the specific ingredients used.

The meat mixture is typically seasoned with a blend of spices such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, and herbs like thyme or rosemary, depending on personal preference. Once the ingredients are combined, the mixture is shaped into meatballs of desired size.

The meatballs are then cooked until browned and partially cooked through. At this point, they are coated with the cranberry sauce. The cranberry sauce adds a burst of sweet and tangy flavor to the meatballs and creates a sticky and flavorful glaze as they continue to cook.

The cranberry sauce for the meatballs can be made by simmering cranberries with sugar, water, and additional flavorings such as orange zest or spices. The sauce is cooked until the cranberries break down and thicken, creating a luscious and vibrant sauce that complements the meatballs beautifully.

Once coated in the cranberry sauce, the meatballs are simmered until fully cooked and the sauce has thickened and infused the meatballs with its delicious flavors. The result is tender meatballs with a slightly sweet and tangy taste.

Cranberry meatballs can be served as an appetizer, accompanied by toothpicks or skewers for easy serving. They can also be enjoyed as a main course, served over rice, pasta, or alongside roasted vegetables. The combination of flavors makes them a popular dish for holiday gatherings and parties.

For presentation and added texture, you can garnish cranberry meatballs with chopped fresh parsley or toasted almonds. This adds a touch of freshness and visual appeal to the dish.

In addition to their delightful taste, cranberry meatballs offer nutritional benefits. Cranberries are known for their high content of antioxidants and vitamins, making this dish a tasty way to incorporate them into your diet.

In summary, cranberry meatballs are a delicious and tangy dish that combines the savory flavors of meatballs with the sweetness and tartness of cranberries. The cranberry sauce creates a sticky and flavorful glaze that enhances the taste of the meatballs. Whether served as an appetizer or main course, cranberry meatballs are sure to be a hit at any gathering or mealtime.