Caribbean Turkey Meatballs in Coconut, Lime and Sweet Pepper Sauce with Roasted Sweet Potato Mash

Instructions

1. 1

   1. Preheat the oven to 220 °C / 425 °F. Place the sweet potatoes on a tray and toss them with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Roast for 30 to 35 minutes, until very tender and browned at the edges.

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   2. While the sweet potatoes roast, make the meatballs. In a bowl combine the ground turkey, gluten-free breadcrumbs, egg, half of the red onion, half of the garlic, half of the scallions, half of the cilantro, thyme, cumin, allspice, 3/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and the zest of 1 lime.

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   3. Shape into 16 even meatballs. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs for 5 to 7 minutes, turning to sear several sides. They do not need to be fully cooked at this stage; transfer them to a plate.

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   4. In the same skillet add the remaining red onion, remaining garlic, sweet pepper, and ginger. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring, until softened and fragrant.

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   5. Add the chicken broth, 250 ml (1 cup) coconut milk, the juice of 1 lime, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.

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   6. Dissolve the cornstarch in the water and pour it into the skillet. Stir for 1 minute until the sauce thickens lightly. Return the meatballs to the skillet, lower the heat, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, until fully cooked and the center reaches 74 °C / 165 °F.

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   7. Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and mash them in a bowl with the butter, the remaining 150 ml (2/3 cup) coconut milk, the juice of the remaining lime, and a pinch of salt until creamy but rustic.

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   8. Turn off the heat under the meatballs and add the remaining scallions and remaining cilantro. Taste the sauce and adjust with more salt or a few extra drops of lime if desired.

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   9. Serve a base of roasted sweet potato mash on each plate and top with the meatballs and plenty of coconut, lime, and sweet pepper sauce.