Pumpkin Meatballs with an Orange Pumpkin Sauce

Unbelievably Addictive!

I was craving something with pumpkin today.  I wanted to make something a little different with it, so I came up with this recipe.  I cannot tell you how amazing these pumpkin meatballs are!  I will be making them again very soon.  The left over pumpkin will be great for a really good cookie recipe, which I'll post when I make them.  I think pumpkin is a very underused item as far as I can see.  It gets used towards the end of the year but that's about it.  When you note the many uses and health benefits, pumpkin really is great to use all year long.  

It's pretty common knowledge that pumpkin is part of the squash family, so I just figured it was a vegetable.  Well guess what, pumpkin is actually classified as a fruit because it grows on a vine and contains seeds.  I knew a tomato is classified as a fruit, but didn't realize a pumpkin is too.  I find things like that fascinating.  Now you can go and ask your friends if they know whether a pumpkin is a vegetable or a fruit. 

Of course, you can buy the whole pumpkin when it's in season and deal with the cutting and cooking aspects of it.  If you like that, then I say go for it.  I actually prefer to buy canned pure pumpkin because all of that work is already done and I think it tastes just as good.  Plus, you can get it any time of the year.  Just be sure not to confuse pure pumpkin with pumpkin pie filling. 

I love all of the many ways to use pure pumpkin.  The most common way that comes to mind is pumpkin pie, but there are so many other uses.  You can add it to cookie, muffin or cake recipes and it makes them moist and flavorful while increasing the fibre content.  It can be added to meat or used in a sauce like in my recipe below for Pumpkin Meatballs with an Orange Pumpkin Sauce.  It could be mixed into mashed potatoes or formed into little fritters and fried.  Another great way to use it is to add it to smoothies so you get all the benefits in a delicious drink.  You could go one step further and freeze those smoothies into popsicles.  Healthy and yummy! 

As I mentioned, most people don't realize how amazing pumpkin is for your body and skin.  There are countless health benefits and it should definitely be incorporated into your diet.  The first thing we notice is the bright orange color which is because of the high level of carotenoids, which can aid in fighting infections and cardiovascular disease.  They are extremely high in fibre which help in moving waste through the body.  Pumpkins help keep your blood sugar and cholesterol levels stable, as well as the fact that they are high in essential fatty acids which help fight against forms of cancer.  They are high in protein and great for your skin and eyes, as well as being an excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.  These are just a few of the many healthful properties of pumpkin.  I encourage you to look into the benefits of pumpkin and I hope you will see that it is truly one of the super foods that should be included in our diet on a regular basis.

As for children, I think you can include it in meals or recipes and most of the time the kids won't even notice it's there.  Plus, because of its high fibre content and other benefits, you'll feel better knowing your children are reaping the positive benefits.  I'm guessing with these meatballs that they won't even know what's in them.  It'll be our little secret.  I hope your family enjoys this recipe as much as mine.  Just tell the kids it's a Sinfully Healthy Foods Recipe.

PUMPKIN MEATBALLS WITH AN ORANGE PUMPKIN SAUCE

 

TOTAL TIME:  @40 MINS

SERVES 2-4

QUINOA

2 c H20

1 garlic clove, grated

1/8 tsp salt

1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

MEATBALLS

1 garlic clove, minced

2 tbsp fresh parsley, torn or chopped

1/8 tsp salt

1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1/8 tsp ground nutmeg

1/2 c pure pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)

@1 c wheat germ (a little less than 1 c)

1 pkg Sweet Basil Italian sausages (5 links), casings removed

Olive oil spray

VEGGIE MIX

1 tbsp olive oil

1 lg onion, diced

1 garlic clove, grated or minced

1 pkg (170 g) Portobello mushrooms, diced into 1" pieces

6-8 bunches baby bok choy, roughly chopped

Fresh ginger (grated a few times over hand grater)

1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Small pinch salt

ORANGE PUMPKIN SAUCE

1 c pure pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)

@2 c orange juice

1/8 tsp ground nutmeg

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

In medium saucepan add quinoa ingredients and bring to boil on high heat.  Turn down and simmer (I put on #2 heat) for @20 mins.  Remove from heat and let stand 5 mins, fluff with fork.

While quinoa is on the go, put parchment paper, wax paper or foil on baking sheet and spray with a small amount of olive oil spray.  Add all meatball ingredients to a large bowl.  Form into small to medium sized meatballs and place on sheet (mine made 18).  Place in preheated oven for 20 mins.  

While quinoa and meatballs are cooking, place olive oil in large pan.  Add all of the veggie mix ingredients and saute until softened.

In medium saucepan add orange pumpkin sauce ingredients and bring to a boil over medium high heat.  Turn down and stir occasionally until good sauce consistency.  Set aside.

Plate the quinoa with the veggies on top.  Place the meatballs on the side and top with the sauce.  ENJOY!