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Gluten free Primo Porcupines
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Gluten-free Primo Porcupines ~ An Alternate to Your Old Meatloaf Recipe
Create a fun plate for yourself - and your guests. Different smirks create conversations ;o). Creating fun plates of food is one way to allure finicky eaters to the table. This twist on meatloaf uses rice in place of bread crumbs, and some fantastic soup (hey, it's bisque and adds that hint of creamy yumness!) as it's topping sauce. A huge fan of "porcupine balls" since I was a kid, now substituting a few ingredients of my own, I've developed a monthly favorite gluten-free style. Voila, my Primo Porcupines! Prep is simple. Get a few (clean) hands in there and form some golf-sized balls.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Gluten Free Primo Porcupines
Servings: 4 people
Ingredients
  • 1 pound hamburger meat organic, lean
  • 1/2 cup uncooked rice I use Basmati
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 small onion diced
  • 1 teaspoon Trader Joe's Everyday Seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 cup spinach finely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 can 15 oz. Amy's Tomato Bisque Soup
  • 1 8 oz. - 15 oz. can tomato sauce
  • 1/2 - 1 cup additional water optional
Instructions
  1. Mix hamburger, rice, 1/2 c. water, onion, TJ's seasoning, salt, garlic powder, pepper, and finely chopped spinach in a large bowl by hand. (ALT - sprinkle spinach on top before cooking if you prefer - or if you forgot earlier ;o) - as shown above.)
    Primo Porcupines - prep
  2. Shape mixture into golf-sized balls, approx. 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Cook meatballs in 10-inch skillet until brown on all sides. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Add some chopped spinach to the balls, or to the sauce on top. Both will cook down and add extra nutrients to your meal.
    Gluten free Primo Porcupines - plated
  4. Mix remaining ingredients, pour over porcupine balls. Heat to boiling, then reduce heat to med-low, cover and simmer 40 minutes. Add water during cooking if necessary to keep the sauce consistency to your liking.
    Primo Porcupines - sauce
  5. OR - For oven recipe, after browning porcupine balls, place them in an oven safe pan, pour sauce mixture on top, cover and cook at 350* approx. 25 minutes. Uncover and cook an additional 15 minutes for a light crisp topping.
    Primo Porcupines - plated
  6. Makes approx. 20 1-inch Primo Porcupines. Serve with your favorite veggies, and create some fun with your plated presentations!
    Primo Porcupines - smiley
Recipe Notes

Just about any veggie goes well with this dish ~ keep it simple!

Gluten Free with Wendi E.