Introduction

Welcome to our kitchen! Today, we are thrilled to present a nourishing and delectable dish: The Most Tender Dolls with Kale and Potatoes. This recipe features succulent, tender doll-shaped meatballs combined with nutrient-rich kale and hearty potatoes, creating a comforting and satisfying meal. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, this dish is both wholesome and delicious. Read on for a step-by-step guide on how to prepare this flavorful recipe.

Ingredients

For the Tender Dolls:

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Kale and Potatoes:

  • 1 bunch kale (about 4 cups, stems removed and leaves chopped)
  • 4 medium potatoes (about 1 lb or 450 g), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup vegetable broth (low-sodium)

For Garnish:

  • Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

Preparation

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare the Potatoes:
    • Peel and cut the potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Place them in a large bowl and toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Roast the Potatoes:
    • Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and golden brown, stirring halfway through cooking.

Making the Tender Dolls

  1. Prepare the Meat Mixture:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, dried oregano, dried basil, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
  2. Form the Meatballs:
    • Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the meat mixture into 1.5-inch (4 cm) balls and place them on a separate baking sheet.
  3. Bake the Meatballs:
    • Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven (alongside the potatoes if possible) for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and have reached an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). They should be golden brown on the outside.

Preparing the Kale

  1. Cook the Kale:
    • While the meatballs and potatoes are baking, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped kale and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until wilted and tender. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
  2. Add Vegetable Broth:
    • Pour the vegetable broth over the sautéed kale. Stir and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the kale to absorb the flavors and the broth to reduce slightly.

Combining and Serving

  1. Combine Ingredients:
    • Once the potatoes and meatballs are done, remove them from the oven. In a large serving bowl or platter, arrange the roasted potatoes and tender meatballs. Top with the sautéed kale and gently toss to combine.
  2. Garnish:
    • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve warm.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (based on 4 servings):

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Sugars: 5 g
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg

SmartPoints (WW Points)

  • Freestyle SmartPoints: 10
  • PointsPlus: 12

(Note: SmartPoints values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredient choices and brands. For precise tracking, consult the latest WW guidelines.)

Tips and Variations

  • Make Ahead: The tender dolls can be prepared and baked ahead of time. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure that the Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast) is gluten-free if needed.
  • Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the meatball mixture for a bit of heat.
  • Vegetable Variations: Swap out potatoes for sweet potatoes or add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers to the roasting pan.

Storage and Reheating

  1. Refrigeration:
    • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making the dish even more flavorful the next day.
  2. Freezing:
    • To freeze, place the cooled meatballs, potatoes, and kale in separate freezer-safe containers. The dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen, adding a bit of broth or water if needed to moisten.
  3. Reheating:
    • Reheat the combination in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. Alternatively, use a microwave to reheat individual portions.

Conclusion

The Most Tender Dolls with Kale and Potatoes is a delicious and wholesome dish that brings together tender meatballs, roasted potatoes, and nutrient-packed kale. This recipe is not only flavorful but also offers a balanced meal with a good mix of protein, vegetables, and satisfying carbs. Ideal for a comforting family dinner or meal prep, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the harmony of textures and flavors in every bite!