Swedish Meatballs

Meatballs are a great healthy dish you can have for any meal (including breakfast!) when you need a little extra protein. They are easy to make and can be enjoyed hot or cold. Here’s one of our favorite recipes adapted from Alton Brown’s Swedish Meatballs  although, this version is Stark-approved and gluten free! While it is not entirely dairy free, heavy cream is extremely low in lactose, so small amounts for those who are mildly sensitive to dairy usually not an issue.

Ingredients
2 slices gluten free bread
1/4 cup almond milk
2 tbsp avocado oil, divided
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1 tsp kosher salt
12oz ground grass-fed beef
12oz ground pork
2 large egg yolks
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp ground allspice
1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
1/8 cup almond flour
3 cups beef broth
1/4 cup heavy cream

Directions
Preheat oven to 200 degrees F.
Tear the bread into pieces and place in a small mixing bowl along with the almond milk. Set aside.
In a 12-inch straight-sided saute pan over medium heat, add 1 tbsp of oil. Add the onion and a pinch of salt, then cook until the onions are soft. Remove from the heat and set aside.
In the bowl or a stand mixer, combine the bread and milk mixture, ground beef, pork, egg yolks, kosher salt, black pepper, allspice, nutmeg, and onions. Beat on medium speed for 1 to 2 minutes.
Using a scale, weigh meatballs into 1-ounce portions and place on a sheet pan. Using your hands, shape the meatballs into spheres.
Heat the remaining oil in the sauté pan over medium-low heat. Add the meatballs and sauté until golden brown on all sides, about 7 to 10 minutes. Remove the meatballs to an ovenproof dish using a slotted spoon and place in the warmed oven.
Once all of the meatballs are cooked, decrease the heat to low and add the almond flour to the pan or skillet. Whisk until lightly browned, approximately 1 to 2 minutes. Gradually add the beef stock and whisk until sauce begins to thicken. Add the cream and continue to cook until the gravy reaches the desired consistency.
Remove the meatballs from the oven, cover with the gravy and serve. Yields about 30 meatballs.

Nutrition Facts per meatball: 84 calories, 6.7g fat, 1.4g carbs, 4.4g protein