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Vegetarian Meatballs In Coconut Turmeric Sauce

Delicious Vegetarian Meatballs In Coconut Turmeric Sauce

A comforting gluten-free and vegan-friendly dish packed with flavor, these Vegetarian Meatballs in Coconut Turmeric Sauce are perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 4 meatballs
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 2 cups Cauliflower Rice A healthy base; freeze it for convenience!
  • 1 cup Cooked Quinoa Packed with protein; ensure it's cooled for the best texture.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro or Parsley Adds a fresh pop of flavor; swap with basil if desired.
  • 1/2 cup Flour Binds the meatballs; for a gluten-free option, try almond or chickpea flour.
  • 2 large Eggs Essential for binding; use flax eggs as a vegan substitute (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg).
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Enhances moisture and flavor; extra virgin is highly recommended.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Elevate the overall taste profile; fresh spices pack more punch!
  • 1 teaspoon Allspice
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon Turmeric
For the Sauce
  • 1 large Onion Aromatic staple; fresh ingredients are key for best results.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Aromatic staple; fresh ingredients are key for best results.
  • 1 tablespoon Ginger Warms up the sauce; fresh is best for depth of flavor.
  • 1 can Coconut Milk The creamy base; go for canned full-fat for richness.
  • 1 cup Vegetable Broth or Water Adds liquid; broth works wonders for flavor enhancement.
  • 2 tablespoons Lime or Lemon Juice Balances the richness with a zesty brightness; fresh is ideal!

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Skillet
  • Large Pan

Method
 

Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cauliflower rice, cooled cooked quinoa, chopped herbs, flour, eggs, olive oil, salt, and spices. Mix until well combined, ensuring a uniform texture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes, allowing the mixture to firm up.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Sauté the diced onion until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes, then add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking until fragrant, roughly 2 more minutes. Stir in the turmeric, salt, and pepper, then pour in the coconut milk and vegetable broth. Let this simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  3. In a large pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. While the oil warms, shape the chilled mixture into small meatballs, about 1-2 inches in diameter. Fry them until golden brown on all sides, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
  4. Gently place the cooked meatballs into the simmering Coconut Turmeric Sauce in the skillet. Allow them to simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes, spooning the sauce over the meatballs to coat them evenly.
  5. Once combined, serve the Vegetarian Meatballs in Coconut Turmeric Sauce hot over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa. Garnish with additional herbs for freshness and a squeeze of lime.

Nutrition

Serving: 1meatballCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 5gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For best results, cool quinoa completely before mixing and fry meatballs in small batches to ensure even cooking.

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