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Basil and Chicken Meatballs with an Autumn Welcome Salad

September 14, 2016 By Angie 8 Comments

basil-and-chicken-meatballs

Mini Meatballs might be your next best friend, food wise. They’re easy to make, and that roly poly bite sized shape is a crowd pleaser, at all ages. Hot out of the pan, they sizzle with flavour. Found in a lunchbox, they delight. Cold out of the fridge, they’re a tasty snack. And they turn a fresh and vibrant salad into a balanced meal in a moment. These Basil and Chicken Meatballs, as well as being Paleo and AIP, are also low Fodmap – you can’t do better than that.

They’re packed with fresh basil, fried until golden, and are just right atop a mountain of baby spinach leaves and arugula. Add a generous portion of pan-roasted pumpkin, a scattering of blackberries for a touch of wilderness and just a few strawberries for sweetness. Douse the lot with extra virgin olive oil and apple cider vinegar, and finish with a fresh grinding of salt. You can serve this lovely early Autumn salad with the meatballs hissing straight from the pan, so that the spinach and arugula begin wilting. Or, make the meatballs earlier and serve them cold, maybe sliced atop the salad and with a little chutney on the side.

Onion Free Meatballs, But Why?

FODMAP’s get me down. Literally. There’s something about that uncomfortable bloated belly that triggers anxiety. It transports me away from my usual state of joy and dumps me in a muddy and bleak place that lies somewhere between sadness, impatience and grief. It makes me believe fully in the Gut and Psychology Syndrome (GAPS). It’s all related: what we eat, how we feel, how we behave. At the moment I seem to be in a cycle whereby I have a couple of okay days, and then I’ll swell up again. I’ve got a feeling there’s an accumulative effect going on – it seems I’m not reacting to any one food in particular, but if I eat a little of this and a little of that over a few days, then all of a sudden I find I’ve a watermelon growing in my belly, and it doesn’t want to come out.

Most tasty meatballs are made with onion, garlic and spice – all ingredients which can unsettle the balance of microbes in the gut. Needing something gentle, I decided to pare it down. These lovely, simple, tender Basil and Chicken Meatballs were born.

Blackberries, freshly picked, add a touch of wilderness to an early Autumn salad.

Basil and Chicken Meatballs with an Autumn Welcome Salad

It’s a busy month. On top of his job, The General has gigs every weekend, and my yoga classes have just started up again. After a long and lazy summer, we’re getting up at 6.30 again, and the days are long. They’re also really hot, still, with no cool break in sight. We leapt into doing a Whole 30, and an AIP version of it to boot. And then there’s Fodmaps. We need fast food, comfort food, beautiful food. Food that can be made a day ahead (or two) and can be packed into a luchbox to be taken to gigs. Food that is easy to make and easy to digest. Thank God, then, that it’s the beginning of Autumn – the basil plants are still bushy, there are fat pumpkins again in the store, and the blackberries in the hills are ripe for the picking.

I went up to Monte late on Saturday afternoon; he came up around midnight, after the wedding gig. Even up there it’s still hot, but at least the night air is cool, and you can sleep without tossing and sweating. I gathered blackberries and a few figs, and out the back, there were strawberries. I’d brought up that classic version of Paleo fast food: fresh, pre-washed salad leaves in a bag. Two bags: baby spinach, and arugula.

Packed with fresh basil and fried until golden, these Basil and Chicken Meatballs turn a vibrant, healthy salad into a full meal.

I made the Basil and Chicken Meatballs simultaneously as I pan-roasted the pumpkin in a little olive oil. At one sitting, the meatballs and pumpkin were served warm on top of the salad. At the next, the meatballs were sliced and the lot was packed into a box for a dinner on the go. Pumpkin is so great in a salad! It adds a touch of creaminess, which is brilliant when you’re not using mayonnaise.

My tip for these meatballs is this: don’t be afraid to be heavy handed with the fresh basil. A half-cup of firmly packed leaves looks like a lot when you tip it out onto your chopping board, but it’ll reduce down as you mince it, and that generous quantity is what gives these meatballs their wonderful, fragrant flavour.

Do make these, and I hope the pumpkin and berry salad ignites your own Autumn kitchen creativity. Healthy and beautiful food doesn’t need to be complicated! Be sure to take a shot and tag me on Instagram @paleomantic – it’s always such a treat to see what you’re up to. And let me know how you go in the comments.


On the Side

Balsamic Beef with Roasted Rosemary Pumpkin and Pomegranate – another beautiful autumn salad.

Rosemary, Fennel and Garlic All Day Beef Burgers – that are also wonderful as mini balls.

Better than Waldorf – A Main Meal Salad  – one of the best ways to exploit crisp new season apples.


This recipe has been shared on Allergy Free Thursday, the AIP Recipe Roundtable, Real Food Fridays, Gluten Free Fridays, and The Wednesday Showcase.


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Big thanks for all your Shares on Social and for your Pins – every share helps spread the message about our Paleo Diet and Lifestyle.

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Best Wishes, Good Health and Happiness.

5.0 from 2 reviews
Basil and Chicken Meatballs with an Autumn Welcome Salad
 
Save Print
Prep time
20 mins
Cook time
20 mins
Total time
40 mins
 
Packed with fresh basil and fried until golden, these Basil and Chicken Meatballs are great hot from the pan or cold in a lunchbox. They're gentle on the digestion and turn a vibrant, healthy salad into a full meal.
Paleomantic: Paleomantic
This fits: Paleo, AIP, Whole 30, Low Fodmap
Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 300 grams / 10 ounces ground chicken
  • ½ cup firmly packed fresh basil leaves
  • 1 tablespoon + 3 tablespoons cassava flour
  • 2 cups pumpkin, cut into 2cm / ¾ inch cubes
  • 6 tablespoons olive oil or lard
  • 4 cups baby spinach leaves
  • 4 cups arugula (rocket)
  • 1 cup blackberries
  • 1 cup strawberries
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • apple cider vinegar
  • iodised sea salt
Instructions
  1. Finely mince the basil leaves, and add to a bowl with the ground chicken, 1 tablespoon of cassava flour and a ¼ teaspoon of salt. Mix well with your hands, and form into 16 small balls. Roll the balls in the extra flour until they are well coated.
  2. Heat two frypans, and add 3 tablespoons of olive oil or lard to each pan. In one pan, fry the pumpkin, and in the other the meatballs. Turn and shake often until the meatballs are well cooked and golden, and the pumpkin is soft and coloured on the edges, about 20 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, distribute the spinach, rocket, blackberries and strawberries onto plates.
  4. Pile the hot pumpkin and meatballs into the centre of the salad, or wait for them to cool and serve them at room temperature.
  5. Douse the salads generously with extra virgin olive oil and vinegar, and with a fresh grinding of salt (or place the bottles and the grinder on the table, so that each can dress their own.
  6. Enjoy
3.5.3208

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Filed Under: Autoimmune Protocol, Autumn / Winter, Mains, Snacks, Spring / Summer, Vegetables, Salads and Sides, Whole 30 Tagged With: autoimmune protocol, autumn/winter, basil, berries, breakfast, chicken, salads, snacks, spring/summer, strawberries, whole 30

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Marla

    September 17, 2016 at 3:57 pm

    HI Angie,
    These meatballs sound wonderful, I love your Fall ingredients with pumpkin, and putting the blackberries & strawberries in – what tasty and healthy twist for a delicious meal. Thanks for sharing on Real Food Fridays. Pinned & tweeted!

    Reply
    • Angie

      September 18, 2016 at 7:29 pm

      Thanks, Marla! See you again soon on Real Food Fridays! A

      Reply
  2. Marla

    September 21, 2016 at 11:37 pm

    Hi Angie,
    Just a note to let you know that I have chosen you post as one of my features for this weeks Real Food Fridays blog hop that goes live every Thursday @ 7pm EST. Thank you for being part of Real Food Fridays and helping to make this world a little bit healthier by sharing your valuable information with us. Have a great week!

    Reply
    • Angie

      September 22, 2016 at 11:38 am

      Hi Marla, Oh, thanks so much! Such a treat to be featured on Real Food Fridays! Blessings, A

      Reply
  3. Barbara

    September 24, 2016 at 2:19 am

    Yum. Angie. These look awesome and no breadcrumbs. 🙂 I love all the flavors going on here. 🙂 Pinning for later. Thanks.

    Reply
    • Angie

      September 27, 2016 at 7:09 am

      Hi Barbara! You know, I think breadcrumbs in meatballs and burgers are completely overrated! Hope you enjoy these! Best, A

      Reply
  4. Susan

    October 13, 2016 at 12:18 am

    Just had to come back here to let you know how much we LOVE your meatballs! My 16 year old son can’t get enough of them. I have tripled the recipe in the vain hope they will last longer but to no avail! He has them cold as a “treat” after school, we have them with our veges at night, they are great heated and put in a thermos for a car trip. We’ve changed the name to chicken nuggets too. Thank you so much for sharing this, I’ve been on AIP for four months and recipes like yours make me feel sad for others who blindly follow the SAD diet thinking it tastes better!

    Reply
    • Angie

      October 13, 2016 at 6:00 am

      Susan, Oh, Thank you so much! I’m so glad these ‘nuggets’ have found a way into your home, and particularly into your son’s heart! And they’re so simple – which I think is one of the truly great things about real food – just find two or three fresh ingredients that sing together, and you’re home. Thanks so much for the tip about popping them hot into a thermos – the cold is settling in here, and I’m needing warm options for my day trips! Best, A

      Reply

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Hi, I'm Angie. Thanks for popping by. I'm here to help you say goodbye to allergies, reduce inflammation and lose weight... naturally and forever. Scout around the website, there's loads of information. And when you're ready to make real, sustainable changes, get in touch and I'll talk you through my Primal Health Coaching programs. You don't have to live with the pain - trust me. Been there, done that, I know. I'm looking to meeting you, and I look forward to helping you live a much healthier, happier life.

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Angelina Brazzale is a certified Primal Health Coach. She cna help you reach your goals of health and vitality through evolutionary diet and lifestyle practices.

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Instagram post 2193106748169072810_2122139797 DEAR SANTA, WHAT I’D LIKE FOR CHRISTMAS IS... Last night my friend, Giada @thealchemicgarden said that she’s asked her folks for an Instant Pot for Christmas. Oh, yay! 
That’s such a great thing to have on your wish list because it makes cooking nutrient dense food (like bone broth) so much easier & the ease means it’s also great for stress management!

If you could ask Santa (or your folks!) for one thing that will help you live in a healthier way, every day - what would it be? A stand-up desk? A year’s supply of collagen peptides or Omega 3 Oil? A subscription to yoga classes or a month with a Health Coach?

Let us know in the comments so we can all be inspired.

Oh - if you want the recipe for these super lovely Christmas Cut Out Cookies, here’s the link: https://www.paleomantic.com/christmas-cut-out-cookies-with-almonds-honey-and-spice/ 🥰

#christmaswishlist #christmascookies #christmasrecipes #christmascountdown2019 #paleocookies #paleochristmas #paleorecipes #glutenfreechristmas #glutenfreerecipes #glutenfreecookies #yourhealthmatters #womenover40 #womenover50 #beinspired #healthychoices #beyourbest
Instagram post 2191735457856087847_2122139797 C’MON, SWEET, THE DAYS ARE PASSING & YOU’VE GOT A LOT ON! There’s the the Christmas shopping, the menu to plan, the baking, the hair & beauty appointments, the Christmas cards, the drinks, the parties... let alone the normal life administration, daily chores, the family to organize, house to clean... HOW ARE YOU GOING TO GET IT ALL DONE without becoming frazzled?

Okay, slow done. Stop. Take a deep breath & let the exhale out real slow. Do it a few times. Then... 1. Put things away. All the time.
Don’t let mess accumulate, declutter constantly.
2. Clean in small bursts. Set the timer for 15 minutes then go for your life. (Housework counts as daily movement and exertion!).
3. Make a list, mentally map where you need to go & what you need to do &
4. Meditate for 10 minutes (or more),
release tension, open into a space of trust that everything will flow... it will!
5. Delegate. Ask for help. Make agreements. Don’t think people can read your mind.
6. Keep your carb intake low, sugar very low, ditch fried & processed foods, save the alcohol for the social situations. Eat real, fresh food, quality protein & healthy fats.
7. No caffeine after midday so you’ll sleep well. Go to bed early.
8. A little bit of pampering every day: rub moisturizer into your heels!
9. Avoid the shops. Seriously. What can you recycle, re-give, create & make?
10. ..... This one’s for you... What are your Low Stress Strategies for this time of year?

#stressmanagement #christmasstress #stressfree #stressfreezone #stressfreeliving #womenshealth #womenover40 #womenover50 #stressrelief #meditatedaily #yourhealthmatters #healthylifestyle #stressbuster #loveyourself #ibelieveinyou
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1. Follow a low-inflammatory diet - link in bio for loads of recipes.

2. Lots of fun, full body movements throughout the day. Get out of the chair, get the arms moving in sweeping motions, do hip rotations while you’re talking on the phone, keep the joints lubricated. Dance to music inside your brain!

3.Sleep! Switch off the devices & hit the sack early. Dream.

4. Connect with the ones you love & the things you love doing. Like, really make time for those people & things. And connect with nature.

5. Be Smart. You matter, your health matters, but it’s not going to happen on it’s own. Make wise choices & do them often enough that health becomes your default setting. ❤️ #womenover40 #womenover50 #yourhealthmatters #youareworthit #selfcare #healthychoices #justmove #movemore #movementismedicine #dancelikenooneswatching #primalhealthcoach #healthcoach #liveawesome #chronicpainrelief #arthritisrelief #inflammation
Instagram post 2190140004483953743_2122139797 IT WOULD BE A LIE to say I only bake these at Christmas time. To be honest, the only time I we don’t have them in the tin is mid summer when it’s too hot to turn the oven on. 
They’re fantastic. If you click through for the recipe (link in bio, poke around under Recipes:Snacks) you’ll see they call for Chestnut Flour, but just sub for ground almonds if you like. And go the distance - use a full 100g block of Lindt chocolate, 85%min cacao. 
Let me know how much you love them!

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Instagram post 2189482199615688824_2122139797 ADVENT CALENDAR DAY 1. FRIENDS, What surprise are you going to pull out of that little box or pocket? How are you going to start building that wonderful anticipation for Christmas?

Does it have to be with something sugary & sweet? Does it have to be with food? Can you fill that space with something else? Can you reinvent symbols & meanings & stories?

Yes! Of course you can. You’re the driver of your chariot. Girl, you’ve got the reins in your hand!

Fill those empty spaces inside you with positive actions & affirmations, with healing rites & self love. Let them be small steps towards your highest potential.

What act of self care will you do for yourself today?

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Instagram post 2188751716116112233_2122139797 SWEET AND SOUR LAMB, RECIPE BELOW! It’s pre- Instant Pot, hence the heavy cast iron pot. Now, I’d probably do it on the Slow Cooker IP function. It’s so simple, easy ingredients, everyone loves it & you keep coming back to it. 
The photo of the mountain dairy is like where we bought the lamb. And that’s Roxy, of course, head out the window, on the way up! 
Ingredients
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 onion sliced
* 750 g lamb on the bone
* ¾ cup water
* ¼ cup red wine, or red wine vinegar
* 1 medium tomato, cubed
* 1 tablespoon muscovado or coconut sugar
* 1 generous tablespoon pinenuts, toasted
* 1 generous tablespoon sultanas
* salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
1. Heat 1 tb olive oil in a pan & fry onion until very soft. Remove the onion.
2. Add the rest of the oil & brown the lamb pieces on all sides.
3. Add the onion, lamb, wine or vinegar, tomato, sugar & water to a heavy cast iron pot.
4. Season with salt and pepper, bring to a simmer, and cover with the lid.
5. Simmer with the lid on for 1 hour.
6. Add the pinenuts & sultanas, and simmer uncovered for another 30 minutes or until all the liquids have reduced.
7. Buon appetito!

#paleorecipes #paleodiet #lamb #sweetandsour #lowcarbrecipes #highfatlowcarb #primaldiet #healthyrecipes #healthyeating #homecooking #homecookedmeals #healwithfood #letfoodbethymedicine #lowinflammationdiet #diabeticrecipes #diabeticfood #painfreeliving
Instagram post 2187252111096622215_2122139797 HEY THERE LOVELY! I JUST WANT TO SAY THANKYOU for all the ways that you make life fabulous. For all the times we’ve laughed over the silliest things. For dancing in clubs, in kitchens, under the big sky. For gorgeous meals cooked up & shared. For heart-to-hearts warmed up with red wine. For delving deep into books, art, health & happiness. Death & loneliness. The mystery of It All. For celebrating the rites of passage. For all the blessed and brilliant ways of loving. THANKYOU. Life wouldn’t be the same without you. ❤️ #thanksgiving #thanksgiving2019 #thankyou #thanks #gratitude #expressyourlove #givethanks #lovelovelove #besties #gratitudeattitude #celebratethelittlethings #celebratelife #fabulouslife #qualitylife #connection #celebratefriendship
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PALEOMANTIC

Hi there, I'm Angie.

My man, Fiorenzo, and I plunged into Paleo in September 2014. It wasn't easy - I'd been vegetarian for several years, so the animal protein component of Paleo was challenging. But we had nothing to lose. Our various health issues were chronic and debilitating. We'd tried everything, with no answers. Paleo was amazing. After just 12 days Fiorenzo renounced the pharmaceutical he'd been taking for 4 and a 1/2 years, and lost 35 pounds. My inflammation has decreased to the point where I no longer need painkillers and anti-inflammatories.

We live in Northern Italy. He plays trumpet. I teach yoga and meditation. We're passionately Paleo and a little romantic, thus: Paleomantic.

My goal is to help you on your road to health and happiness through sharing all I know about the Paleo Diet and Lifestyle. Welcome! Read More…

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