Yoga and Pumpkin Meatballs (Paleo, Gluten-free, Nut-free)
Yoga and Pumpkin Meatballs (Paleo, Gluten-free, Nut-free)
Meatballs are fun. Fun to make, fun to eat, fun to talk about…everybody loves meatballs. Actually that should be the name of a book, or cookbook, or maybe it already is. Kids love meatballs too, especially making them, so anytime I make meatballs I enlist their help. I use the word “help” very loosely here! They love making the dough into balls, hearts, snakes, monsters, and anything else, and then of course getting to eat them when they’re ready. And I use the word “they” very loosely here, because I probably enjoy making monsters more than they do.
Let’s talk about yoga and meatballs for a second. I talk a lot about how to incorporate yoga into everyday life and situations, and this is a great example! Sound crazy? Read on. I may be a little weird, but I find it therapeutic to squish things together and make a yummy concoction. Taking a few minutes to use your senses (touch, smell, sight, and later taste) and be present with the dough can be a very yogic process. Squishing, kneading, and forming balls, using the physical body in conjunction with the calm, quiet mind can soothe the spirit. It’s a great opportunity to connect with the breath and to enjoy the mindfulness that cooking and preparing food promotes. Plus, you’re making something that is healthy, delicious, and good for your body, which makes the process that much more rewarding and fun. Try it, you’ll get it.
Anyway, these Pumpkin Meatballs are yummy. A warm comfort food on a cool day, an easy snack for on-the-go, or, paired with some roasted veggies or maybe spaghetti squash, a perfect meal for an evening at home. The pumpkin and cinnamon add a little fall flavor, while the honey gives it a subtle sweetness to complement the savory aspect of a traditional meatball. They are super easy to make, which is always a plus in my book. I also love that you can freeze these to enjoy later, or as I do, pull them out when you forgot to make lunch for your husband to take to work!
Pumpkin Meatballs (Paleo, Gluten-free, Nut-free)
Ingredients
- 2 lb. grass-fed ground beef
- 1 egg, beaten
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 c fresh parsley, minced
- 2 T organic pumpkin puree
- 2 T yellow onion, minced
- 1 T dried oregano
- 1T raw local honey
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl. Get your hands in there and really mix, enjoy the therapeutic benefits! Once everything is well combined, form into 1-2” balls. Place balls on parchment paper lined baking sheet and put into the oven for 20-25 minutes (on the longer end if your meatballs are larger).
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Let me know if you try Yoga and Pumpkin Meatballs, and how it goes for you!