Bison Meatballs With Orange Plum Sauce
Ingredients:
For the Bison Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground kosher bison
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (kosher-approved)
- 1 large egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional for a sweet-spicy flavor)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
For the Orange Plum Sauce:
- 1 cup plum preserves (or fresh plums, pitted and mashed)
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 tbsp honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (kosher)
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional for a zesty kick)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- 1 tsp orange zest
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
For the Meatballs:
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground bison, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, and cinnamon. Mix until well combined but do not overwork the meat.
- Form Meatballs: Roll the mixture into small, evenly sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Cook Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and cook until browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes total. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
For the Orange Plum Sauce:
- Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, add the garlic and ginger (if using) and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Ingredients: Stir in the plum preserves, orange juice, soy sauce, honey, orange zest, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Add the meatballs back into the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat them evenly. Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for another 5-10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the meatballs over rice or couscous for a hearty meal.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a bright finish.
Enjoy these flavorful bison meatballs with the sweet and tangy orange plum sauce!