Lunch: Thai Chili Lime Meatballs

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Sesame Seeds, Honey

Health benefits of Thai Chili Lime Meatballs

Sesame seeds help with progesterone balance. Lignans found in in sesame seeds help to prevent excess estrogen production.

Honey, often hailed as a superfood, possesses a wealth of nutritional benefits that make it a valuable addition to a balanced diet. With a glycemic index (GI) of 55 for one tablespoon, honey is considered a moderate GI food. This means it does not spike blood sugar levels as high or as quickly as high-GI foods, making it a better choice for maintaining steady energy levels and supporting overall health.

Rich in antioxidants, including phenolic acids and flavonoids, honey offers protective benefits against oxidative stress and inflammation. These antioxidants can help combat the damage caused by free radicals, which are linked to chronic conditions such as heart disease and cancer. Furthermore, the natural sugars in honey can provide a quick energy boost, making it an excellent option for a pre-workout snack or a natural sweetener in beverages and meals.

Honey's benefits extend beyond its nutritional profile. Its antimicrobial properties make it a natural remedy for wounds and burns, promoting healing by providing a moist environment and acting as a barrier to infection. Additionally, honey has been used for centuries to soothe sore throats and coughs, thanks to its ability to coat the throat and reduce irritation.

However, it's important to consume honey in moderation. While it is a healthier alternative to refined sugar, it is still a form of sugar and can contribute to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in large amounts. For individuals with diabetes or those monitoring their blood sugar levels, it's crucial to account for honey's GI and its effects on blood sugar.

Choosing raw, unprocessed honey can also maximize its health benefits. Raw honey is more likely to retain its antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that can be lost during processing. Incorporating honey into your diet can be as simple as adding it to yogurt, drizzling it over oatmeal, or blending it into smoothies. Its natural sweetness and health-promoting properties make honey a superfood worth including in a healthy, balanced diet.

Ingredients

THAI STYLE MEATBALLS
1 lb. Ground Pork
1 lb. Ground Beef
4 stalks Spring Onions (chopped)
1 tsp. Salt
1 tsp. Garlic Powder
1 tsp. Ginger Powder
3 medium Red Chili Peppers (chopped, about 70g)
2 tbsp. Gluten Free Soy Sauce
1/4 cup Honeyville Almond Flour
1 1/2 tbsp. Olive Oil (for frying)
1 1/2 tbsp. Sesame Oil (for frying)
6 Tbsp. Sesame Seeds (Optional – will add carbs)


SWEET CHILI LIME SAUCE
1/3 cup Sugar Free Apricot Preserves
1/4 cup Water
1/4 tsp. Red Pepper Flakes
2 tbsp. Lime Juice

Instructions

1. Add 1 lb. Ground Pork, 1 lb. Ground Beef, 4 stalks Spring Onions (chopped), and 3 medium Red Chili Peppers (chopped, about 70g) to a large mixing bowl.
2. Mix everything together well, then add 2 tbsp. Gluten Free Soy Sauce, 2 tbsp. Lime Juice, 1 tsp. Salt, 1 tsp. Garlic Powder, and 1 tsp. Ginger Powder.
3. Mix everything together again and then add 1/4 cup Honeyville Almond Flour on top. Mix well until almond flour is absorbed into mixture.
4. Roll out the meatballs to the size of your preference. For me, this made 22 meatballs. You can get anywhere from 20-35 meatballs with this recipe.
5. Heat 1 1/2 tbsp. of both olive oil and sesame oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, drop the meatballs in, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. The meat should sizzle when you drop it in.
6. Cover the pan with a lid and let cook for about 3 minutes.
7. Flip the meatballs over, cover, and cook for an additional 3 minutes or until cooked all the way through.
8. In a small pan, add 1/3 cup Sugar Free Apricot Preserves, 1/4 cup Water, 2 tbsp. Lime Juice and 1/4 tsp. Red Pepper Flakes.
9. Bring sauce to a rolling boil and let reduce while stirring occasionally. Once the meatballs are cooked, add all of the pan drippings to the sauce and continue to reduce until you find the consistency you want.
10. Optional – coat meatballs in sesame seeds and serve with a side of dipping.