She Makes a Mean Meatball!

   These meatballs are not your Momma's version! They are much more nutritious since they do not contain eggs, cheese, or breadcrumbs. Although dairy and bread products may have a place with other foods, combining them with protein or meat is a recipe for disaster since they are both so taxing on your digestive system.( Think heaviness, bloating, and other unfriendly offenses)

   Although I tend to stray away from eating meat all that often, my husband still attempts to gnaw off his right hand for a piece of the red stuff on a regular basis. And since I do all of the cooking, I still aim to keep him happy while being healthy, so long as I use quality organic grass-fed beef.

   Which by the way, since it's been awhile since I've posted any recipes involving meat, let me refer back to what to look for when purchasing meat. While it is always a better choice to purchase 100% Organic Grass-Fed meat, it may not always be available to you. So when choosing ground beef or steak, read that label thoroughly! It should read:

Never Given Anti-biotics-EVER
Never Given Hormones- EVER
Vegetarian/Grass-Fed All Natural

And remember, it is not enough to say that meat is antibiotic or hormone free on the label since FDA regulation only requires that  meat be free of either substance 30 days before they are sent to slaughter in order to market it that way.30 Days before people. 30 Days does not make the life-span of the average animal safe enough to eat.Therefore,eating all-natural beef will help to ensure you are not adding additional toxins into your body if you so choose to eat it.

 In my version below, I have added chia seeds which act as a binder and provide an additional source of protein and Omega 3's, nutritional yeast which is a great source of B vitamins and acts as a cheese replacement with a nutty flavor, and plenty of chopped veggies. They are best served topped with tomato sauce and a side salad. Skip the pasta though, because if you were planning on eating those two together anyways then obviously this recipe isn't for you! (Protein+Starches=BAD)

Recipe:

1 lb All Natural Grass-Fed Beef( read above to know what to look for!)
1/4 cup chia seeds, soaked in 1/2 cup for 10 minutes (thickens and forms a gel)
3 garlic cloves,
6 organic baby carrots
1 organic celery stalk
1 organic yellow onion
1 1/2 Tbsp Organic Ketchup
1 Tbsp Gluten Free Organic Tamari
1 Tbsp Nutritional Yeast
1 Tsp. Dried Oregano
1/2 Tsp Dried Basil
1/4 Tsp sea salt

Directions:

1.) Pre-Heat Oven to 350 degrees. Start by pre-soaking chia seeds in water. In a food processor, chop garlic, onion, celery, and carrots.
2.) Add in beef along with remaining ingredients and mix until smooth.
3.) Using a spoon, scoop out mixture and form into balls about 1 inch think. Place onto greased cookie sheet.
4.) Bake for 25 minutes. Check with a meat thermometer to ensure they have been cooked to 160 degrees to prevent food-borne illness.
5.) Top with tomato sauce and serve with a nice mixed green salad!