Sometimes I Just Need a Sandwich

So, it’s lunchtime, again. Time to figure out what to have for lunch.

I thought I would share a recipe I entered in a contest. It didn’t win but it sure was fun to eat. It was pretty easy, too.

Looks like a lot of ingredients but you can improvise and use what you want. That’s what I do and my husband never complains! I guess, maybe, he’s just happy to have someone fix lunch for him.   

Spicy Asian Fusion Meatball Pocket

½ lb ground chicken

½ cup Salsa, divided

2 tablespoons crushed pineapple

1 teaspoon garlic paste

1 tablespoons soy sauce

1 egg

¼ cup panko bread crumbs

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon pepper

2 tablespoons hoisin sauce

2 tablespoons pineapple juice

2 tablespoons pineapple chunks

¼ cup finely diced cabbage

2 tablespoons grated carrots

2 tablespoons finely diced jicama

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

2 teaspoons sugar

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

4 slices red onion

4 slices red pepper

2 tablespoons chow mein noodles

2 pita pockets or sandwich flat bread

Meatballs

Combine chicken, ¼ cup salsa, crushed pineapple, garlic and soy. Add egg and panko. Add salt and pepper. Mix until just combined. Form into 8-2 inch balls and place on a baking sheet that has been coated with cooking spray. Bake for 35-40 minutes at 350 degrees.

Hoisin Sauce

In a small bowl combine ¼ cup salsa, hoisin, pineapple juice and chunks.

Cabbage Slaw

In another small bowl combine diced cabbage, carrots, jicama, vinegar, sugar and mayonnaise. Stir and refrigerate until ready to use.

To assemble: Place 2 slices of red onion and a slice of red pepper in pita, top this with 3 or 4 meatballs. Cover the meatballs with about 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce and a generous amount of slaw. Sprinkle with chow mein noodles.   

Makes 2 sandwiches

East meets West in this tasty meatball sandwich, as spicy salsa and sweet hoisin combine to create a sauce that is a perfect blend of flavors.