Description
This dish is a harmonious blend of savory and sweet, with the meatballs bringing a touch of natural sweetness from the apple, and the slaw providing a crisp, tangy contrast. Perfect for those following a gluten-free, keto, or paleo-friendly diet, this meal is both satisfying and nutritious.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground pork
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green apple (Granny Smith), finely chopped
- ½ onion, finely minced
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking) or any other cooking oil
For the Apple Slaw:
- 1 small head of cabbage, shredded (or 4 cups pre-shredded cabbage)
- 2 apples (green apple for a more keto-friendly option), julienned
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
For the Meatballs:
- Finely mince the garlic and onion, or use a food processor. Chop the apple into small pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, garlic, onion, apple, almond flour, and egg. Season with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, yielding around 30 meatballs.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches, ensuring they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Remove from skillet and set aside.
For the Apple Slaw:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and julienned apples.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage and apple mixture and toss well to coat evenly.
- Let the slaw sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Recipe Notes:
Substitutions: You can use a sweeter apple variety like Fuji or Honeycrisp if you prefer.
Time-Saving Tip: Use pre-shredded cabbage or a food processor for quick prep.
Optional Addition: Serve with a dairy-free yogurt sauce and fresh herbs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 80mg