SafePlates

Ingredients

• 2 cups (14 oz / 400g) pumpkin, peeled and grated
• 1 cup (5.3 oz / 150g) cooked rice
• 1/2 cup (2.1 oz / 60g) breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup (2.1 oz / 60g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup / 70g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon (0.07 oz / 2g) salt
• 1/4 teaspoon (0.04 oz / 1g) black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon (0.04 oz / 1g) dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons (1 fl oz / 30ml) olive oil, divided
• 1 cup (8 oz / 240ml) pumpkin puree
• 1 cup (8 fl oz / 240ml) vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup (4 fl oz / 120ml) heavy cream
• 1/4 teaspoon (0.04 oz / 1g) ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon (0.5 oz / 15g) butter
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the grated pumpkin, cooked rice, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Mix well until the mixture holds together.
3. With damp hands, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1.5 inches (4cm) in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Drizzle the meatballs with 1 tablespoon (0.5 fl oz / 15ml) olive oil.
5. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden and firm.
6. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the pumpkin sauce. In a saucepan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon (0.5 fl oz / 15ml) olive oil and 1 tablespoon (0.5 oz / 15g) butter over medium heat.
7. Add the pumpkin puree and vegetable broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
8. Stir in the heavy cream and ground nutmeg. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste if needed.
9. Once the meatballs are baked, transfer them to a baking dish. Pour the pumpkin sauce over the meatballs, making sure they are well coated.
10. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling.
11. Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Tip

Serve these pumpkin meatballs with mashed potatoes or crusty bread for a comforting meal. For extra flavor, add a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce if desired.