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Lemon Thyme Meatballs with Pumpkin Orzo

Lemon Thyme Meatballs with Pumpkin Orzo for Cozy Fall Nights

A delightful one-pot meal of Lemon Thyme Meatballs with Pumpkin Orzo that captures the essence of autumn.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 lb Ground Turkey or Chicken Thigh Substitute with ground beef for a heartier flavor.
  • 1/4 cup Panko Breadcrumbs Regular breadcrumbs can serve as an alternative.
  • 2 tsp Fresh Thyme Leaves Or use 1/2 tsp dried thyme.
  • 1 large Zest from Lemon
  • Kosher Salt Adjust to taste.
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper Adjust to taste.
For the Orzo
  • 1 cup Dry Orzo Any small pasta can be a substitute.
  • 2 cups Low-Sodium Chicken Stock Vegetable stock works for a vegetarian option.
  • 1/2 cup Pumpkin Purée Adds creaminess and flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Full-Fat Coconut Milk or Heavy Cream Choose coconut milk for dairy-free option.
  • Olive Oil Used for sautéing.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Minced.
  • 2 large Shallots Minced; regular onion can be used as a substitute.
  • 1 stalk Rosemary Infuses the orzo with flavor.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • baking sheet
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Sauté minced shallots and garlic in olive oil for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  3. Combine half of the sautéed mixture with ground turkey or chicken, panko breadcrumbs, thyme, lemon zest, and seasonings. Mix well.
  4. Form mixture into 10-12 meatballs and bake on a lined baking sheet for 14-16 minutes.
  5. Toast dry orzo in the same pot for 3-4 minutes.
  6. Add chicken stock, pumpkin purée, and coconut milk or heavy cream to the orzo, season, and bring to a gentle boil.
  7. Simmer the orzo for 9-12 minutes until al dente, then let sit for 10 minutes to thicken.
  8. Serve orzo topped with baked meatballs and garnish with fresh thyme.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 900IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for 3 months. Reheat gently.

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