Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Hawaiian Meatballs

 These were a favorite at cocktail parties and dances. Usually kept in a slow cooker to keep warm, there was always a side of toothpicks to go with! But they also made a great small lunch, too. You can make these, freeze them and serve them in their sauce the day you use them. I've taken the liberty of making the original recipe a little lighter.

  • 1 lb lean ground turkey 
  • 1/2 tsp ground fresh ginger
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder and pepper (each)

  1. Mix the above together and form 1 1/2" balls. 
  2. The original recipe called for beef and for saute them in a pan on the stove.
  3. I prefer to bake them on a rack.
  4. 350 for 15 minutes or until done in the middle- 165 degrees.
For the sauce:

  • 8 oz can pineapple with the juice (go natural and no sugar added)
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup sugar substitute
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar
  • 1 tbsp coconut aminos 
  • 1 chopped green bell pepper

  1. Pour out the pineapple juice into a cup and measure to 1 cup of juice, discard the rest
  2. Mix in the sugar and whisk to dissolve
  3. Then add in the vinegar and cornstarch and whisk until smooth
  4. Place in a pot and bring to a boil, cooking until it thickens.
  5. Add in the aminos, green pepper, and the meatballs, simmer for 10 more minutes.