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- salt to taste
- meatballs:
- sauce:
- 2 teaspoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon peanut oil
- 1/2 cup minced onion
- 2 tablespoons red curry paste
- 3/4 cup canned coconut milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground pork
- 1 1/2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger root
- 3/4 teaspoon lemon grass puree
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil, divided
- 1 (28 ounce) can hunt's® diced tomatoes
- fresh chopped cilantro (optional)
- Carbohydrate 8.8
- Cholesterol 73
- Fat 29
- Protein 22.1
- Sodium 716
- Calories 381 calories;
Step-by-step
- Combine pork, fish sauce, garlic, ginger, lemon grass paste, cilantro, and peanut oil in a mixing bowl. Mix well.
- Refrigerate at least 1 hour to blend flavors.
- Shape pork mixture into 1 1/4-inch meatballs. (Mixture should yield approximately 34 to 36 meatballs.)
- Heat 1 tablespoon peanut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs in batches, giving the pan a shake occasionally. Turn meatballs until brown on all sides and cooked through, approximately 14 to 16 minutes. Remove meatballs to a bowl.
- In a large saucepan, heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Cook onion until translucent, 5 to 6 minutes. Add tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Stir in curry paste.
- Cover and simmer over low heat until sauce begins to reduce, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
- Process sauce with an immersion blender until smooth. Stir in coconut milk and adjust taste by adding additional salt if needed.
- Return meatballs to sauce and simmer for an additional 5 minutes, or until warmed through.
- Garnish with cilantro if desired.
My Simple Weeknight Meatball Recipe
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and satisfying meals can feel like a Herculean task. Juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and the never-ending to-do list leaves precious little time for elaborate culinary creations. That's why I've developed a go-to recipe that's both quick to make and packed with flavor: these simple yet flavorful meatballs in a rich coconut curry sauce.
This recipe is my lifesaver on hectic weeknights. It's adaptable to what I have on hand, easy to adjust for dietary needs, and, most importantly, always a crowd-pleaser. The kids love it, my husband raves about it, and even on those days when I'm utterly exhausted, the simple process feels manageable. The fragrant coconut curry sauce complements the juicy pork meatballs beautifully, creating a balance of savory and sweet. It's a dish that transcends the mundane, transforming a simple weeknight meal into something special.
The secret to this recipe lies in the preparation. While the cooking time is relatively short, allowing the flavors to meld is key. Marinating the meatballs for at least an hour allows the pork to absorb the aromatic ginger, garlic, lemongrass, and fish sauce, resulting in intensely flavorful meatballs. The process of simmering the sauce also enhances its richness and depth of flavor. It's a symphony of tastes and textures that's surprisingly simple to create.
I often adapt this recipe to what's in my fridge. Sometimes, I'll add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the sauce for an extra nutritional boost. On occasion, I'll swap the pork for ground chicken or turkey, adjusting the seasoning slightly to suit the change in protein. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. It’s a blank canvas for culinary creativity, allowing you to personalize it based on your preferences and dietary requirements.
Serving this dish is effortless. I typically serve it over a bed of fluffy rice, the creamy sauce clinging beautifully to each grain. A simple side salad adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the meatballs and sauce, creating a perfectly balanced meal. The vibrant colors and delicious aromas make it an inviting dish for family and friends alike, regardless of your culinary expertise.
More than just a recipe, this dish represents comfort, family, and the joy of creating something delicious from simple ingredients. It’s a reminder that even on the busiest of days, we can still savor the pleasure of a wholesome and flavorful home-cooked meal. The lingering aroma of coconut, ginger, and garlic always fills my kitchen with warmth, a comforting reminder of the simple pleasures in life.
Beyond the practicality, this recipe is a testament to the power of simple ingredients working together in harmony. The combination of the savory pork, the aromatic herbs and spices, and the creamy coconut milk creates a complex flavor profile that belies its ease of preparation. It's a dish that speaks to the heart of home cooking – a celebration of fresh, simple ingredients transformed into something truly special.
So, the next time you're short on time but craving a flavorful and satisfying meal, give this recipe a try. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a testament to the fact that delicious home-cooked meals don't have to be complicated. The satisfaction of creating something so flavorful and comforting from scratch is its own reward, a little piece of happiness in the midst of a busy day.
I encourage you to experiment with this recipe – add your own twists and variations. Perhaps you'll discover your own signature touch, a unique addition that makes this simple recipe truly your own. Happy cooking!
