After reading the title, you might be wondering: how can meatballs be a superfood? In this recipe, we substitute your traditional meatball ingredients with healthier options. Read on to find out how this superfood meatballs dish can transform to a treasure trove of health benefits.

WHAT IS A SUPERFOOD?

Dishes are labeled as a superfood when they enhance the nutritional quality of your diet. This can include reducing risks of diseases, providing a rich source of nutrients, and promoting physical and mental health.
One unique ingredient used in this recipe is chicken liver. It is considered to be one of the most potent superfoods and comes with a long list of health benefits that include:

  • Essential vitamins and minerals
  • Promotes good eyesight
  • Good for body tissues
  • Promotes fertility
  • Fights against stress
  • Strengthens immune system
  • Boosts energy
  • Good for teeth and bones
  • Preventing loss of memory

Did You Know? Many disorders of the nervous system are due to B12 deficiency. The liver just happens to have the most concentrated source of B12 out of all animal sources. In just one ounce serving of chicken liver, you’ll get 120% of your daily recommended vitamin B12 intake! That means getting all that B12 in your diet will help your body produce new red blood cells, increase your energy and improve your focus.

Superfood Meatballs

This superfood meatballs recipe substitutes the traditional ingredients to give you a treasure trove of health benefits in a delicious dish.

  • Author: Cristina Curp
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 10
  • Category: Dinner
  • Cuisine: American

ingredients

  • 3lbs 85% lean grass fed ground beef
  • 1lb pastured chicken livers
  • 1 large shallot
  • 4 medium carrots
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 2 tbsp. grass fed butter
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 tbsp. coconut aminos (separated)
  • 3 tsp salt (separated)
  • 2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp. dried thyme (dried)
  • 1 tbsp. garlic powder
  • Olive oil

instructions

  • Heat a large cast iron skillet on medium heat. While it heats, mince the shallots, carrots and garlic until fine. When the skillet comes to temperature add in the vegetables and sauté until aromatic and tender, about 8 minutes, stir often.
  • Add in the chicken livers along with  1 tsp salt and dried oregano. Cook, stirring often, until the livers are browned all over.  Add in the 1 tbsp. coconut aminos and 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar and cook until reduced and livers are cooked.
  • Remove from heat, and let cool a few minutes. Transfer to a food processor and pulse until it looks like ground beef. Then transfer to a large bowl, to cool to room temp.
  • Pre-heat oven to 425F. Add the ground beef to the bowl with the remaining salt and the rest of the seasoning. Mix well.  Shape 1 ½ inch balls, will make aprx 30.
  • Drizzle olive oil all over the sheet pan. With oiled hands, coat each meatball in a little olive oil and you handle it to place it on the sheet pan. Then lightly drizzle them with the remaining coconut aminos.
  • Place in the oven, roast at 425F for 5 minutes. Then turn the temperature down to 350F and roast another 20 minutes before removing from the oven.
  • These meatballs are perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd. Dunk them in ranch, pile on some guac or drizzle with lemon tahini sauce for some extra fats!

nutrition

  • Calories: 323
  • Fat: 21
  • Carbohydrates: 4.3
  • Protein: 31.8