A fun twist on the comfort food classic, your family will love these naturally gluten free Lebanese meatballs seasoned with cinnamon, all-spice and toasted pine nuts.
January is half-way over, how are you feeling? Are you staying hydrated? Getting enough exercise? Beating those winter blues?
Look, I’m not going to kid you. Change isn’t easy. We are habitual creatures and stepping out of our comfort zone isn’t always in our nature but I urge you to stay focused. After all, it only takes 6 weeks to form a habit so stay the course. Trust the process.
To help keep you motivated and focused, I’m sharing one of my healthy eating strategies in continuation of my month-long partnership with Kroger celebrating life’s every day #LittleVictories.
Ever since having Jacob, who turns into a pumpkin by 6:46PM every night like clockwork, the slow cooker has become my saving grace. I know I used it a lot after having Asher but with two toddlers I use it more than ever before.
On a perfect day, we spend a couple of hours at the gym in the morning and then I put dinner in the slow cooker while they are eating lunch (ideally one I prepped ahead on the weekend.) This symphonic harmony doesn’t always happen but with a little planning and thought, it happens more often than not.
If you love traditional Italian meatballs, I know you’ll love this Lebanese inspired version scented with warm cinnamon, all spice and toasted pine nuts. They don’t have any bread crumbs so they are naturally gluten free and low carb.
Serve with bulgur wheat or Lebanese Rice Pilaf and a giant Lebanese Green Salad dressed with plenty of za’atar, garlic and fresh lemon juice. Parent Tip: If you stir in a bit of cucumber yogurt sauce or plain yogurt, the meatballs will cool down right away so your hungry monsters don’t burn their little tongues.
Don’t forget, it only takes 6 weeks to create a life-forming habit. Each day, make a few good decisions then do it again tomorrow.
Stay the course. Trust the process. You’ve got this.
Your fork is waiting.
Slow Cooker Lebanese Meatballs
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup pine nuts
- 2 pounds ground turkey 93% lean
- 1 large onion diced - divided
- 1/2 cup parsley
- 4 tablespoons All Purpose Lebanese Spice Blend divided
- 32 ounce can tomato puree
- 32 ounce can crushed tomatoes
- Lebanese Rice Pilaf and plain yogurt - to serve
Instructions:
- Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees and spread pine nuts out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake until pine nuts are toasted, 5-6 minutes; set aside.
- Keep the oven heated to 350 while you prepare the meatballs.
- Using a food processor, pulse together ground turkey, 1/2 of the onion (about 1/2 cup diced), parsley and 1/2 of the All Purpose Lebanese Spice Blend (2 tablespoons) until smooth. If you have trouble getting the mixture to combine, add one or two tablespoons of ice water while pulsing.
- Line two baking sheets with foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Scoop the meatballs using a small cooking scoop and divide evenly between both trays. Bake until half-way cooked, about 10 minutes.
- Place partially-cooked meatballs in the slow cooker and add in toasted pine nuts, remaining 1/2 cup diced onion, remaining 2 tablespoons All Purpose Lebanese Spice Blend, tomato puree and crushed tomatoes. Stir once to combine then cover and heat on Low for 8 hours or High for 4 hours.
- Serve over Lebanese Rice Pilaf with a dollop of plain yogurt on top.
Alexis W
These are in the slow cooker right now and smell AMAZING. Love your website and have made so many of your recipes. My little victory has been walking 30+ minutes almost every day in January (except a stretch where I was pretty sick).
Liz DellaCroce
I’m so glad you’re making them!!!! Congrats on your walks!! Keep it up Alexis!
Catherine
Oh my!! I grew up eating Lebanese food for the holidays! I missed it so much.. Thank you for posting this!
#MyVictory today was finishing up my distressed coffee table and lap desk. And sticking to a thin bagel with hummus and chicken for dinner :)
Marcia
My small victory is going to the pool 3 times a week to work out. I really enjoy many of your recipes.
Barbara
My weight loss success is eating more vegetables and fruit and making my meals at home. And, definitely portion control. I’ve also started walking with a buddy. She makes it more fun. Take each day as it comes.
Jennifer
I am so excited to try a gluten free meatball!!! I have been missing these little gems :-)
Liz DellaCroce
I hope you love these!
Michelle
Still counting calories! :)
Katy Kimbley
Water and being aware of what i eat.
Maeve
My little victory is getting to the gym and running my little butt to tears! :)
Liz D
Staying hydrated and walking! And now maybe eating meatballs…
Sarah
My little victory is cleaning the house before everyone got up this morning!
Edie
Actually got on the treadmill today instead of just planning on doing it.
Adriana Acevedo
My victory for today is getting a 45 minute workout in!
Angie Jerde
I had today off of work and got a ton of stuff done…that is a huge victory for me!
Louis
Great gift for my family..
Jenna
my little victory is getting to the gym and planning a healthy dinner. I’ll probably have to try these meatballs this week.
Joan Kubes
My #LittleVictories are organising drawers and cupboards one at a time this month.
Stacie Fontinell
My victory for today is that i really cleaned the house! It needed it!