7 Nutrient-Dense Meatball Recipes

Color my meatballs!  I love the harmony of flavors in these recipes, plant-rich with garlic, onions, fresh herbs, Swiss chard in one, zucchini in another, quinoa, bell peppers and even pineapple. They are power-packed with micronutrients — vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals — so vital for the millions of processes our bodies perform every minute of ever day.

[su_expanding_quote_book alignment=”right” source_author=”Rebecca Katz” source_title=”The Healthy Mind Cookbook” full_quote=”From a brain health perspective many herbs and spices contain huge amounts of anti-inflammatories and antioxidants. Flavor is a combination of taste and smell: nothing turns that on more than aromatics: herbs, spices and the allium family including leeks, garlic, onions and chives.” short_quote=”From a brain health perspective, many herbs and spices contain huge amounts of anti-inflammatories and antioxidants”]

Asian Quinoa Meatballs – Damn Delicious

6 Plant foods: quinoa garlic, ginger, green onion, cilantro and parsley

Serve with: Over rice noodles tossed with shredded bok choy (Chinese cabbage) and cilantro

Chimichurri Meatballs with Swiss Chard – 40 Aprons

6 Plant foods: Garlic, cilantro, green onions, swiss chard, parsley and lemon juice

Spices: Oregano and red pepper

Serve with: Couscous or orzo tossed with additional chimi churri sauce, or simply with a robust salad

Indian Meatballs – 40 Aprons

6 Plant foods: Shredded zucchini, chopped cilantro, fresh ginger and garlic, tomatoes and lemon

5 Spices: Garam masala, paprika, coriander, cinnamon, cayenne

Serve with rice of choice mixed with  chopped cilantro.

Middle Eastern Meatballs with Cilantro Yogurt Sauce – Epicurious

6 Plant foods: Cilantro, garlic, onion, mint, sage, lemon

4 Spices: Fennel, coriander, cumin, allspice

Serve with rice or a lentil salad with cucumber, tomato, green onion and feta cheese.

Moroccan Meatball Tagine – Epicurious

Plant foods: onions, garlic, cilantro, cinnamon sticks, diced tomato, spinach, raisins 3 Spices: saffron, turmeric, black pepper

Serve over quinoa or couscous tossed with olive oil and chopped nuts.

Pork Meatballs with Spicy Pineapple Sauce – Slimming Eats

5 Plant foods: onion, ginger, pineapple, cilantro, sesame seeds

4 Spices: ginger, paprika, garlic, red pepper

Serve with rice noodles, shredded broccoli, bok choy or kale and tossed in the sauce

Thai Coconut Curry Turkey Meatballs – Wholesome Delicious

6 Plant foods: onion, garlic, bell pepper, ginger, fresh basil, limes

5 Spices: curry, basil, garlic, ginger and curry paste

Serve with basmati rice mixed with sesame seeds

What is your favorite meatball recipe? How many plant foods does it contain?