# Components:
→ Meatballs
01 - 1.5 lbs ground turkey (93% lean)
02 - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
03 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
04 - 1 large egg, lightly beaten
05 - 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
08 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
11 - 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning)
→ Pumpkin Sage Sauce
12 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
13 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
14 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
15 - 15 oz can pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
16 - 1 cup chicken broth
17 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
18 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
19 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
20 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
21 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
22 - Salt and pepper, to taste
→ Serving and Garnish
23 - Fresh sage leaves
24 - Grated Parmesan cheese
25 - Red pepper flakes (optional)
# Preparation steps:
01 - In a large bowl, gently combine ground turkey, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, onion, garlic, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper without overmixing.
02 - Shape mixture into about 24 meatballs, each approximately 1 inch in diameter; place on parchment-lined surface.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and brown meatballs on all sides, about 2 to 3 minutes per side; remove and set aside.
04 - In the same skillet, add olive oil and sauté onion until softened, about 5 minutes; add garlic and cook until fragrant, approximately 1 minute.
05 - Stir in pumpkin puree and chicken broth; bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
06 - Reduce heat, then add heavy cream, Parmesan, fresh sage, thyme, nutmeg, salt, and pepper; simmer 5 to 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
07 - Gently submerge browned meatballs into sauce, cover, and simmer over low heat for 15 to 20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
08 - Cut one meatball to ensure it is cooked through before serving.
09 - Serve meatballs and sauce over pasta, mashed potatoes, or polenta; garnish with fresh sage, additional Parmesan, and red pepper flakes if desired.
