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Keto Polpette – Italian Pork Meatballs


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4 from 7 reviews

  • Author: Mellissa Sevigny
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 5 servings 1x
  • Diet: Diabetic

Description

An Italian pork meatball recipe that is easy to execute, and pretty enough for company! Gluten free, keto, low carb


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 1/3 cup almond flour
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the greens:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove, thinly sliced
  • 4 cups fresh arugula, packed (or spinach or swiss chard)

For the Sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 cup onion, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
  • 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped

For the cauliflower puree:

  • 5 cups cauliflower florets
  • 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

To make the meatballs:

  1. Combine all of the meatball ingredients (except for the olive oil) in a medium bowl and mix thoroughly.
  2. Form into 15 meatballs.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a non-stick saute pan, then cook the meatballs in small batches, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.

To make the greens:

  1. In a medium saute pan, heat the olive oil and garlic.
  2. Cook for a minute or two until the garlic is fragrant and sizzling.
  3. Add the arugula (or other greens) and cook for a minute or two, until just wilted and still bright green. Remove from the pan and set aside.

To make the sauce:

  1. Add the olive oil, onion, and garlic to the same pan you cooked the greens in and cook for a couple of minutes until the onions are translucent but not browned.
  2. Add the tomatoes and chicken broth and simmer for about 10 minutes.
  3. Stir in the lemon zest, heavy whipping cream, and fresh oregano.
  4. Cook for 2 – 3 minutes and remove from the heat.

To make the cauliflower puree:

  1. Combine the cauliflower, butter, and heavy cream in a microwave safe bowl.
  2. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 10 minutes.
  3. Stir to coat cauliflower with cream/butter mixture.
  4. Microwave for another 6-8 minutes on high or until completely soft.
  5. Remove from the microwave and put into a high speed blender or food processor along with the cheese.
  6. Puree until smooth.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can adjust the cream and butter to your preference.

To assemble:

  1. Spread 1/2 cup cauliflower puree on your serving plate.
  2. Top with 3 meatballs.
  3. Add about 1/4 cup of the wilted greens around the meatballs.
  4. Spoon about 1/3 cup of sauce over the top.
  5. Garnish with additional lemon zest, oregano, and grated parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Approximate nutrition information per serving:

Naked meatballs (3): 289 calories, 19g fat, 1g net carbs, 17g protein
Cauliflower puree (1/2c): 155 calories, 12g fat, 3g net carbs, 5g protein
Arugula (1/4 cup): 35 calories, 4g fat, .5g net carbs, 0g protein
Tomato sauce (1/3 cup): 59 calories, 5g fat, 2.5g net carbs, 1g protein

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: keto meatballs
  • Method: stovetop
  • Cuisine: italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3 meatballs plus garnish (see below)
  • Calories: 535
  • Fat: 40g
  • Carbohydrates: 7g net
  • Protein: 23g

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