Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 medium apple, peeled and finely shredded
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh sage, finely chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried sage)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil (for frying)
- 1 cup tomato basil sauce (for serving)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground pork, shredded apple, panko breadcrumbs, Pecorino Romano cheese, sage, egg, minced garlic, sea salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper (if desired) until the mixture is uniform.
- Shape the mixture into small balls, roughly 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Once hot, add the meatballs in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
- Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
- While the meatballs are cooking, warm the tomato basil sauce in a separate saucepan over low heat.
- Once the meatballs are fully cooked, transfer them to a serving dish and generously spoon the warm sauce over them.
- Enjoy these delightful bites with your favorite side or as a hearty appetizer!
Notes
- Experiment with different apple varieties for varied sweetness and flavor.
- These meatballs can be served alongside roasted vegetables or in a warm sandwich for a satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 100mg