During my challenge on The 30 Clean I wanted to make meatballs for the kids. I know it’s something they will eat no matter what and it’s always fun! However, once I made my mixture I decided that mini loaves would be better because I was on a time crunch. I didn’t have high expectations for this recipe because I whipped it up by looking in my fridge to see what would work. I decided that carrots would add sweetness, fresh basil would bring amazing flavor, onions/shallot/garlic are a staple in seasoning the meat and the cashew meal and eggs would serve as the binding agent. The mixture came together just like normal meatloaf would. I added coconut aminos to the top before baking. If you haven’t used coconut aminos before it’s a great alternative to soy sauce and actually it tastes a lot better! You could add in the aminos to the mixture vs. the top but I liked the crust it made.
Payton was chomping at the bit to eat these after I took them out of the oven but I told her she had to wait until dinner time. I left for work and by the time I made it to the 163 freeway she had already eaten two! I was surprised how moist they were. The best part to me was what the cashews did, I think I will always skip the breadcrumbs moving forward. The cashews gave a rich, buttery, nutty taste to the dish. A family pleaser and kid approved!
mini turkey meat loaves
ingredients
2 pounds 99% ground turkey meat
1/2 cup whole raw cashews, made into a meal
1 large white onion, diced
1 shallot, minced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
3 carrots, finely grated
1/2 cup basil chiffonade
2 eggs
salt and pepper
coconut aminos
1 TB coconut oil
directions
In a skillet, melt coconut oil. Add in onions, shallots and garlic. Sauté until translucent and have begun to slightly brown, roughly 8-10 minutes. Let cool slightly.
In a bowl combine, cashew meal (this is done by processing the cashews in a food processor), carrots, basil, eggs, ground turkey, salt & pepper. Mix with your hands until all ingredients are fully combined. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Taking a handful of the mixture at a time, form into mini loaves, you could also make meatballs or two large meatloaves. I formed mine to look like footballs because I was in Super Bowl mode. Once you have formed all your loaves, sprinkle coconut aminos over each loaf, roughly 2-3 shakes.
Bake at 350º for 25-30 minutes. The cooking time with depend on the size. The meat should be firm and brown but not burnt. It will give slightly when you touch the loaf.
Serve with paleo ketchup, grilled veggies and a big green salad!
I hope you will give these a try! If you do, come back and leave me a comment letting me know how you like them!
I’m preparing to do the 30 Clean again and came to your blog for ideas while meal planning! Your meals and all gorgeous and I LOVE your blog!