I’m calling this BBQ sauce for lack of a better descriptor. This sauce is actually a riff on the burger sauce I made a few nights prior involving spicy mustard, chipotle Choula and Kewpie mayo.

It also works well as the base for a meatball dressing.

gluten-free, paleo

BBQ Chicken Meatball Bowl

Carrots:

2 medium carrots, chopped

1 Tbsp. honey

2 Tbsp. neutral oil

2 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. red pepper flakes

Salt & pepper

Preheat your oven to 375F/220C. Toss the carrots with the rest of the ingredients and spread out in a single layer on a baking sheet that’s been lined with silicone or tinfoil. Bake about 25 minutes or until desired brownness has been reached.

While the carrots are working, make the meatballs and sauce.

Meatballs:

1 lb. ground chicken

1 tsp. dried oregano

2 Tbsp. coconut aminos

1.5 Tbsp. tomato paste

1 Tbsp. onion powder

1 Tbsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. baking powder mixed with 1 tsp. water

Mix all meatball ingredients together by hand – warning: the mix will feel a little wet if you’re not used to making meatballs by this method. Shape into ping pong ball sized meatballs and drop into a large pan where you’ve brought a few good glugs neutral oil up to medium high heat.

Fry until browned on all sides, being sure to turn gently as the balls will be a bit delicate until 2 sides are cooked.

Sauce:

2 Tbsp. tomato paste

2 tsp. garlic powder

2 Tbsp. brown mustard

4 Tbsp. coconut aminos

1 Tbsp. honey

1/2 cup water

Salt & pepper

Whisk sauce ingredients together and simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced by about half.

Serve alone or over a side of rice, shirataki noodles, spaghetti or spaghetti squash. Serves 3 – 4