Quickie Dinner- Sweet and Sour Meatballs

A few nights ago, I forgot to defrost the meat for the meal I planned to make- it happens to the best of us. Mike and I got home from work late and we were Hungry with a capital H! I needed something that would be quick to make, but none of the recipes I looked at sounded good. Then I came across this recipe for sweet and sour meatballs. Mmmm.

After a quick check of the pantry, I realized that with a little improvising I could make it work.


Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Serves 4


Ingredients:
Meatballs
1 lb. ground chicken (or pork)
1 c. panko breadcrumbs
2 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. red pepper flakes
1 egg
2 tsp. salt
handful of cilantro, chopped (optional)


Sweet and Sour Sauce
1- 28-oz. can of pineapple (juice reserved) or
1/2 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored and cubed (this is what we used)
2 tsp. red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tbsp. cornstarch
1/2 c. brown sugar
1 tsp. salt
1/4 c. rice wine vinegar
1/4 tsp. fresh grated ginger (about a 1/2 inch piece, peeled)
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
6 tbsp. ketchup
6 tbsp. reserved pineapple juice or
6 tbsp. canned pineapple juice if you use fresh pineapple (I'm sure OJ/limeaid or even water would be fine)


For the meatballs: 
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix with clean hands until just combined.

In a large skillet, heat a little vegetable oil (once around the pan) to medium heat. Roll into meatballs (I use about a tablespoon of the meat mixture) and fry on all sides until cooked through. This should take about 15 minutes, or so.

For the sauce:
Peel, cut and core the pineapples (or drain juice if using canned).

In a saucepan or skillet, add a teaspoon of olive oil or butter and heat to medium.

Add the pineapples and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for a few minutes.

In a small bowl, combine the other ingredients well and add to the pineapple. Bring to a gentle boil and stir frequently to avoid scorching. Cook for a minute, or until thickened.

I served this over brown rice (it would be great with couscous, which is quicker!) and some freshly chopped cilantro. The verdict? Delicious and very filling! We both loved this and it was very good the next day as leftovers.

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