Pork Meatballs in Pumpkin Cream Sauce
Category: Main Course
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
These tender and savory pork meatballs, bathed in a creamy pumpkin sauce, are a comforting and delicious dish that combines the earthiness of pumpkin with the rich flavors of pork and cheese. The perfect meal to serve for a cozy dinner, this recipe offers a great balance of textures and flavors.
Ingredients:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Eggs | 1 |
Ground Pork (Suino) | 500g |
Parmigiano Reggiano DOP | 80g |
Bread (preferably stale) | 70g |
Pumpkin | 700g |
White Onions | 1 |
Salt | to taste |
Thyme | to taste |
Extra Virgin Olive Oil | as needed |
Water | as needed |
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
Start by soaking the bread in water until it softens. While the bread is soaking, place the ground pork in a large mixing bowl. Add the grated Parmigiano Reggiano, the soaked and squeezed-out bread, the egg, and a pinch of salt. Using your hands, mix everything thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Once the mixture is ready, take small portions and shape them into meatballs approximately 4 cm in diameter. With these ingredients, you should be able to make about 15 meatballs. Set them aside on a plate and refrigerate while you prepare the pumpkin cream sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin Cream Sauce
Peel the pumpkin and cut it into small cubes. Peel and finely chop the onion. In a large pan, heat some extra virgin olive oil over medium heat, and sauté the onion until it becomes translucent. Once the onion has softened, add the cubed pumpkin to the pan. Add just enough water to prevent the pumpkin from sticking to the pan and cover with a lid. Cook the pumpkin for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it softens.
Once the pumpkin is tender, add a few sprigs of fresh thyme for fragrance. Transfer the pumpkin mixture to a blender and pulse until smooth to create a creamy texture. Set the cream aside.
Step 3: Cook the Meatballs in the Pumpkin Cream Sauce
Transfer the smooth pumpkin cream back into the pan. Gently add the refrigerated meatballs into the creamy pumpkin sauce. Cook the meatballs for about 25 minutes, turning them occasionally so they cook evenly. Add water as needed to prevent the sauce from becoming too thick or drying out.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once the meatballs are cooked through, and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, remove from heat. Serve the meatballs hot with a generous portion of the creamy pumpkin sauce. This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 480 kcal |
Protein | 38g |
Carbohydrates | 36g |
Fat | 22g |
Fiber | 5g |
Sodium | 600mg |
This delicious and hearty dish is perfect for a fall-inspired meal or any time you crave a comforting dish with a twist. The balance of pumpkin and pork creates a mouthwatering combination that is sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy!