Meatball Shakshuka

Gluten-Free • Dairy-Free • Easily made VEGAN • One Pot • Serves 4-6

Ingredients

2 Tbsp olive oil

2 bell peppers, get colorful!

1 onion, thinly sliced

2 tsp cumin

2 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp salt

1 28oz can whole stewed tomatoes

1 head (or bag of frozen) chopped cauliflower (if you’re going veg)

Ingredients for Meatballs

1 pound ground beef (or Beyond Burger)

2 tsp paprika

2 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp salt

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 bunch of cilantro, finely chopped (save some for garnish)

2 eggs

1 cup gluten-free bread crumbs

Please note that while there are many benefits to buying local and organic, preparing fresh foods in a way that works best for you and your budget is always a win! Don’t let your ability to access local/organic discourage you from going for it! Any fresh choices are more beneficial than processed ones.

Let’s put it together!

1. In a large lidded saucepan, heat 2 Tbsp of olive oil over medium heat

2. Add in peppers and onions, stirring often until onions are clear and starting to caramelize (8-10 mins).

3. Add in 2 tsp cumin, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt and stir.

4. Using your hands, crush tomatoes one at a time and add to the above mixture followed by the remaining juice in the can. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes. Incorporate cauliflower when there is about 5 minutes left.

5. While this is happening, using your hands, combine the meat along with the 2 eggs, 2 minced garlic cloves, bunch of finely chopped cliantro, 1 cup gluten-free bread crumbs, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 2 tsp cumin and 1/2 tsp salt. Shape into the size of golfballs and place aside for a moment.

6. Wash your hands 😉

7. Come back to the sauce, give it a stir, give it a taste and adjust seasoning.

8. Once you’re pleased, arrange meatballs into the sauce and bring back to a simmer. Cover pan and cook over low heat for 10 minutes. Uncover, and cook for another 10.

9. Triple check that the internal temp is 165f and if it is…

10. Dish up, garnish with cilantro and ENJOY!

This was such an unexpected flavor-packed meal that is a total crowd-pleaser (except with my 3yo daughter Luci, she only likes eggs, raspberries, yogurt, mcnuggets, tortilla chips and pancakes most days 😂). This dish also reheats amazingly!

This recipe was adapted from the always tasty, Modern Proper.

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Lindsey is an encourager, optimist, health + life coach, and yoga teacher who helps caregivers live fuller, healthier, vibrant lives through exploring all aspects of their life and health while helping to cultivate simple, sustainable fun-size habits, so that they can continue to make a meaningful impact in themselves, their loved ones, and the world, for generations to come.