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5 from 1 vote

Indian Meatballs with Spinach Sauce

Tender and richly spiced meatballs are served in a fragrant spinach gravy for this Indian-inspired dish.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Keyword beef, curry, dairy-free, dinner, indian, lamb, lunch, meatball, nut-free, pork, spinach, turkey
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 460kcal
Author Jenny Ross

Ingredients

Meatballs

  • 1 1/2 pounds lean ground turkey chicken, beef, or even lamb (use full fat for higher fat)
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup pork panko or almond flour for pork-free
  • 1/2 tablespoon gelatin
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1/2 tablespoon ginger fresh grated
  • 1/2 tablespoon garam masala
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin

Sauce

  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil
  • 1/2 onion minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 teaspoons ginger fresh grated
  • 10 ounces frozen cut spinach thawed and squeezed dry, 1 package
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 1/2 tablespoon gelatin
  • 2 tablespoons butter or butter flavored coconut oil for dairy-free
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or cashew cream for dairy-free, optional

Instructions

For the Sauce

  • Combine garam masala, cumin, cinnamon, coriander, and cayenne in a small bowl and set aside.
  • Heat a large pan over medium high heat and when hot, add the avocado oil. Add the reserved spices and cook until fragrant, about 5-10 seconds. Add the onion and salt and cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger and cook until fragrant, about one minute more. Add the spinach, and 1 cup chicken stock. Bring to a boil and simmer for about 5 minutes.
  • Add about half of the mixture to a blender and process until smooth. Return this mixture to the simmering pan and continue to cook for another 5-10 minutes.
  • Remove the mixture from heat and stir in the the heavy cream, if using. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, as needed.

For the Meatballs

  • While the sauce cooks, make the meatballs. Combine all meatball ingredients in a large bowl and use your hands to mix until evenly combined. Form into about 1 tablespoon size meatballs, about 30 meatballs.
  • Heat a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook until golden, turning occasionally until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 10-15 minutes.
  • Add the meatballs to the cooked spinach sauce and serve.

Notes

Protein:Energy Quotient [calories]: 1.18
Nutrition without the cream: Calories: 358 cal, Carbs: 7g, Fiber: 3g, Fat: 16g, Protein: 49g, Protein:Energy Quotient [calories]: 1.84

Nutrition

Calories: 460kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 50g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 188mg | Sodium: 1077mg | Potassium: 858mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 9036IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 146mg | Iron: 3mg