Turkey meatballs with curried cauliflower
Tips for Experienced Cooks
To enhance the flavors in this dish, consider roasting a head of garlic along with the cauliflower. Squeeze the roasted garlic into the meatball mixture for a deeper flavor. Additionally, freshly grind your spices instead of using pre-ground for a more aromatic sauce. Experiment with adding a splash of coconut milk to the tomato sauce for a creamier texture and a subtle sweetness that complements the curry powder.
Step 1: Preheat oven and prepare cauliflower
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Cut cauliflower into small florets. Combine the cauliflower florets in a bowl with olive oil and curry powder, then season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat.
- 1 head of cauliflower, cut into small florets
- 6 1/2 tsp olive oil
- 1 2/3 tsp curry powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step 2: Roast the cauliflower
Spread the coated cauliflower in an even layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 15 minutes, until tender.
Step 3: Prepare the meatballs
In a medium bowl, crack an egg and whisk well. Add coconut flour, dried oregano, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix the ground turkey into the egg mixture using your hands until well combined. Form the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs.
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp coconut flour
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lb ground turkey
Step 4: Cook the meatballs
Heat the remaining 3 1/4 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 8 minutes, turning regularly, until browned and almost cooked through. Transfer the meatballs to a plate.
- 3 1/4 tbsp olive oil
Step 5: Make the sauce
Return the empty skillet to medium heat. Add the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, remaining 1 2/3 tsp curry powder, and 3/4 cup water. Bring to a boil, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom of the pan. Reduce to a simmer.
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 2/3 tsp curry powder
- 3/4 cup water
Step 6: Finish the dish
Add the cooked meatballs to the simmering sauce. Cook for 4 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, and chopped cilantro.
- Cooked meatballs from step 4
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped cilantro
Meat, Eggs, & Dairy
- 1 1/4 pounds ground turkey
Pantry Items
- 2 whole egg
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 3/4 cup tomato
- 1 1/2 tablespoons coconut flour
- 3 1/2 tablespoons tomato paste
Fresh Produce & Herbs
- 1/3 cup cilantro
- 3 1/4 cups cauliflower
Seasonings & Spices
- 3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 1/4 teaspoons dried oregano
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder