Sesame Seed Meatballs

Like all PrimaFoodie recipes, these meatballs are free of gluten and dairy but are just as addictive as the classics. The sesame seed "breading" gives them an extra satisfying texture. We love to serve these as a holiday party appetizer, ideally warm in a crockpot with toothpicks at the ready for nibbling. 

This recipe yields 20 meatballs


INGREDIENTS

  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 eggs
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon Paprika
  • 1 small onion, fine diced
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 4 ounces sesame seeds (for “breading”)
  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 eggs
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon Paprika
  • 1 small onion, fine diced
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 4 ounces sesame seeds (for “breading”)

Directions

  1. Sprinkle sesame seeds on a plate.

  2. Combine the rest of the ingredients in a bowl. Roll mixture into small meatballs (a bit smaller than the size of a golf ball).

  3. Cover the meatballs with the sesame seed “breading” by gently rolling them in the sesame seeds until they’re fully covered. Place the breaded meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. 

  4. Bake for 10 minutes at 400 degrees. 

 

Cajun Spice Mahi Mahi

Mahi Mahi’s mildly sweet flavor and flaky texture combine perfectly with Cajun flavors. The result is a juicy fish with ample zest. While we love to make our Cajun seasoning (it’s simple and calls for spices you likely have stocked), there are excellent pre-mixed options available—just be sure to opt for organic blends.

This recipe yields 2 servings.


INGREDIENTS

  • 2 lb of fresh Mahi Mahi filets
  • 1 tsp. Cajun spice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • 2 lb of fresh Mahi Mahi filets
  • 1 tsp. Cajun spice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Juice of ½ lemon

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees/177 celsius.

  2. Place the Mahi Mahi on a baking sheet, skin side down. Season with salt, cajun spice, and a few drizzles of olive oil. Place in the oven for approximately 10 minutes.

  3. Pull apart flakes of the Mahi Mahi and drizzle lemon juice and a little olive oil on top.

TIPS

**This makes for excellent tacos! Top organic tortillas with the fish, shredded lettuce, and Sweet Peach and Tomato Salsa.

 

Nicaraguan Tacos

These easy-to-make Nicaraguan tacos, or taquitos, are a fabulous flavor combination that feature a satisfying crunch and offer a fun way to mix up your meal plan. 

This recipe yields 8 tacos.


INGREDIENTS


  • For Tacos:
  • 1 tablespoon ghee
  • 1 leek, 6 inches cut from green stem and chopped
  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • ½ red bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 red tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic-infused olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon berbere spice
  • 8 Siete tortillas
  • ½ cup duck fat (or preferred type of animal or vegetable fat for frying)

  • For Salad:
  • 1 head of romaine lettuce, thinly sliced
  • 1 tomato, chopped
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • ¼ -½ cup olive oil
  • 2 avocados or guacamole

  • For Tacos:
  • 1 tablespoon ghee
  • 1 leek, 15 cm cut from green stem and chopped
  • 1 kilogram ground beef
  • ½ red bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 red tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic-infused olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon berbere spice
  • 8 Siete tortillas
  • 64 grams cup duck fat (or preferred type of animal or vegetable fat for frying)

  • For Salad:
  • 1 head of romaine lettuce, thinly sliced
  • 1 tomato, chopped
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 60 -120 ml olive oil
  • 2 avocados or guacamole

Directions

  1. Prepare 2 large skillets. Melt ghee in the first skillet over medium heat.

  2. Add chopped leek and sauté until pieces soften.

  3. Add ground beef, peppers, tomatoes, garlic-infused olive oil, and spices to the meat. 

  4. Break down the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Cook for 15 minutes or until done, then cover with a lid and place to the side while you prepare the tortillas.

  5. Warm tortillas in a comal or crepe pan for a minute on each side, then place on a kitchen towel and wrap to steam.

  6. While the tortillas are warming, heat duck fat in second large skillet.

  7. Place a spoonful of meat in each of the tortillas. Roll up each tortilla tightly and secure with a toothpick, if necessary. 

  8. Place all of the taquitos into the duck fat, slowly turning them as they fry. 

  9. Once the tortillas are crispy all the way around, remove them from the fat and place on a plate with a paper towel to soak up extra grease. 

  10. Toss romaine, tomato, lemon juice and olive oil in a bowl. Serve on top of tacos with a dollop of guacamole or avocado.


 Recipe Tips

**Traditionally, olive oil or avocado oil is used for frying. However, they both have a low smoke point and turn into trans fat if heated too much. Any animal fat or high smoke point oil, like coconut, can be used instead. I chose duck fat and it turned out to be delicious.
**It’s not critical to have two large skillets. Simply remove cooked meat and clean or scrape the bottom of the meat pan to prepare the tortillas.