These pumpkin meatballs are simmered in a luxuriously creamy curry-coconut sauce. Featuring layer upon layer of delicious flavors, these meatballs will absolutely WOW your taste buds!
If you like meatballs and enjoy Thai-inspired curry dishes, these pumpkin meatballs are a must-try! Featuring a delicious medley of flavors – beef, pumpkin, curry, raisins, mango chutney and coconut – these meatballs are simmered in a luscious sauce that is sure to win you over.
The freshly grated pumpkin not only adds flavor and nutrition, it also makes the meatballs moist and tender. Coupled with plump raisins, mango chutney and Indian spices, these pumpkin meatballs are reminiscent of one of my favorite South African dishes, Bobotie. The flavors are a match made in heaven. Then to make these meatballs even more delicious we simmer them in a curried coconut sauce. Serve them with some steamed rice and you have one seriously soul-satisfying meal.
For a time-saver, these meatballs can be prepared a day in advance or even frozen. Then simply fry them up (if frozen raw) or heat them up (if frozen cooked) and make the sauce when you’re ready to serve them. You can also make the entire dish up to a day in advance and gently reheat it. In fact, the flavor is even better the next day!
To really take these meatballs over the top we recommend making your own curry powder and mango chutney – and we’ve got you covered or both recipes!
Homemade Curry Powder
Our readers rave about our mango chutney – try it to find out why!
Homemade Mango Chutney
Positively packed with flavor, your family is sure to love these Curried Pumpkin & Coconut Meatballs!
Let’s get started!
Combine the finely grated pumpkin and the ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, raisins, garlic, salt and pepper.
Use a food processor or your hands to thoroughly combine the ingredients.
Form the mixture into 1-inch or larger meatballs.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the meatballs on all sides.
Transfer the meatballs to a plate and set aside.
Add the butter to the skillet and fry the onions until soft and translucent and just beginning to brown, 5-7 minutes. Add the curry powder and fry for another minute.
Add the flour and fry for one minute, stirring regularly.
Whisk in the chicken stock, bring it to a simmer, whisking constantly until thickened.
Whisk in the coconut milk.
Let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes, whisking continually. Stir in the mango chutney and season with salt and pepper.
Return the meatballs to the skillet, return to a simmer over medium-low, cover and simmer the meatballs for 15 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Stir in the cilantro.
Serve with steamed jasmine or basmati rice sprinkled with some extra chopped cilantro or parsley for garnish.
Enjoy!
PIN ME!
For more delicious pumpkin dishes try our:
- Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
- Pumpkin Sausage Gravy and Biscuits
- Whole Grain Pumpkin Waffles
- Pumpkin Ice Cream
- Roasted Pumpkin Hummus
- Coconut Chicken Pumpkin Curry
- Domoda (Gambian Peanut Stew)
- Pumpkin, Kale and Sausage Lasagna
Curried Pumpkin and Coconut Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef , or 1/2 pound ground beef, 1/2 pound ground pork; or 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 cup very finely shredded fresh pumpkin or sweet potato
- 3 tablespoons raisins
- 1 large egg , lightly beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 clove garlic , minced
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil for frying
- 1 medium yellow onion , diced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons curry powder (click link for our homemade curry powder!)
- 3 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 15 ounce can coconut milk
- 1 1/3 cup chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons mango chutney (click link for our homemade mango chutney!)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro plus extra for garnish
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients for the meatballs in a bowl and mix with fingers. Form into 1-inch balls.
- Heat the coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and fry until browned on all sides. Transfer the meatballs to a plate.
- Fry the onions with the butter in the same skillet until softened, 5 minutes, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the curry powder and flour and cook for another minute. Whisk in the chicken broth, bring it to a simmer, whisking constantly until thickened. Whisk in the coconut milk. Return to a simmer. Add the mango chutney, salt and pepper.
- Return the meatballs to the skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve with steamed jasmine or Basmati rice and garnished with some chopped fresh cilantro or parsley.
First published on The Daring Gourmet Oct 25, 2015
Rebecca says
This was just delicious! I used sweet potatoes, homemade breadcrumbs from sourdough toast, ½ the chicken stock and no flour. I also cooked the onions for about 15 minutes to caramelize them. I’ve made it twice in the last week!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Fantastic, Rebecca, thanks so much for the feedback!
Dean Stewart says
This is a delicious dish. Rich, full flavor even though it is easy to prepare. I used a commercial mango chutney and the 1/2 and 1/2 hamburger-ground pork. My wife said it had to go on the “repeat” list of recipes for our home.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
I’m thrilled to hear that, Dean, thanks so much to both of you!
Wanda says
Another winner Kimberly. I used buttercup squash and Major Greys chutney. I think next time I’ll add a little heat with Siri ha or the like. Served with a yogurt cucumber salad similar to raita. Yum!!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
That’s wonderful, Wanda, thanks so much! The yogurt cucumber salad is the perfect side too, yummy!
Lisa says
OMG…this is incredibly flavoursome. Didn’t have all the ingredients to make my own curry powder (will try his next time) and used Keens curry powder (we’re in Australia). Used persimmon chutney (my neighbour made this, as waiting for upcoming mango season to make more chutney). And yes, adding grated pumpkin to meatballs is genius! Another amazing recipe Kimberly👍👍
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Fantastic, Lisa, I’m so happy you enjoyed these, thanks so much!
Grace Haener says
Would like to try this recipe which type of pumpkin would you recommend. Thanks love your recipe they are always a great hit with my family.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Thank you, Grace! <3 Any type of pumpkin will work great. You can use a different winter squash variety as well if you like.
Lyn says
We loved these! Made with sweet potato, followed the recipe and yum! DH hadn’t been well (travelling by plane not good for health!) and his taste buds had been a little jaded, but these meatballs hit the spot even for him. Praise doesn’t get much better than that!Thank you Kimberly
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Wonderful, Lyn, I’m so happy to hear it was a hit, thank you! And I’m tickled that you picked such an adventurous dish to start with! :)
Adina says
Happy New Year, Kimberly. I made this for guests shortly after Christmas and it was great. Everybody loved it and we were 5 adults and 3 kids. I used sweet potato and left out the raisins, I do like them but I know so many people who don’t and I didn’t want to risk it. Thank you for the recipe, I am sure I will make it again. :)
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Happy New Year, Adina!! That’s awesome, I’m so glad you liked them, thank you so much! You know, my husband doesn’t like raisins either but I make him eat them anyway, ha! ;)
SusanM says
As soon as we can find a cooking pumpkin, we want to try these with ground turkey, they sound delicious! Are there any alternatives to mango chutney? It’s not something we’ve seen locally.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Susan! I have a recipe for the best homemade mango chutney, but a quicker alternative would be to substitute with apricot or peach jam/preserves. Happy cooking!
Michelle @ The Complete Savorist says
I could eat these all day long and just be utterly content. They look fantastic.
Rose | The Clean Dish says
Adding pumpkin to meatballs – genius!! It’s so perfect for this season. You have combined some of my favorite ingredients in this – I love it!
Dorothy says
Whoa….what a stunning dish! Love the grated pumpkin inside the meatball. That’s just genius!
Kim Beaulieu says
What a great recipe. I just love the flavour profile on this one. I’m wondering how the shredded pumpkin would be in meatloaf now. You’ve opened up a world of possibilities.
Michelle @ Blackberry Babe says
What an awesome flavor combo! The sauce looks luscious!
Adina says
This really looks amazing, I love it!!! I will definitely make this.
Renee - Kudos Kitchen says
I love new and unique meatball recipes and this one certainly qualifies. That sauce looks so wonderful and creamy. I can’t wait to try this recipe. So flavorful!
Lauren Kelly Nutrition says
Oh boy I love all of thee flavors! You are so creative!
Maryanne @ the little epicurean says
Whoa! I never thought to grate pumpkin. Love the combination of all these flavors in this dish! :)
Cookin Canuck says
I have grated zucchini into meatballs, but never pumpkin. What a great idea! And anything with curry flavors always gets me excited. A must make, for sure!
Nutmeg Nanny says
These meatballs are so delicious looking! I love that creamy sauce…yum!
Heather | All Roads Lead to the Kitchen says
I am 100% in love with this idea – fun, inventive, and delicious! These are going on my to-try-very-soon list.
[email protected] says
I have never cooked with “real” pumpkin in a savory dish before. Being able to shred it makes it seem much easier to work with. I am so intrigued by this recipe, it looks and sounds so good – I’ve got to give it a try!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Joanie, pumpkin is terrific in a variety of stews and tagines (I linked to a few at the beginning of my post). Give it a try and I’m sure you’ll love it!
The Food Hunter says
these sound amazing! I never would have thought of this combo
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
What a unique recipe! These looks absolutely amazing! As an Italian, I don’t often deviate much from a traditional meatball, but these are soooo going on my list of things to make, and soon!
Erin @ Texanerin Baking says
You just blew my mind. Pumpkin can be shredded?! I never thought of that! I’ve never used pumpkin in meatballs but after seeing this, I know it’s something I have to try.
Barrett @dirtylaundrykitchen.com says
I know I’ll make this at some point. So delicious sounding.
Stephanie says
Wow! Such a creative recipe. Looks so comforting!
Lauren @ Wicked Spatula says
WOW! This sounds absolutely amazing! I can’t wait to try it!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
The coconut and the pumpkin, so unique! Love the flavors and creaminess!
Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes says
These flavors just sound like heaven!! I love meatballs and have never had a sauce quite like this one.
Ginny McMeans says
Wow! Those ingredients are fantastic. Who would have thought to add pumpkin, curry, raisins, mango chutney and coconut.. Good job!
Erin says
I love the idea of adding pumpkin to your meatballs! And grating it – genius. Meatballs are so forgiving – this would be incorpated so easily. And the curried sauce sounds delicious.