Ingredients

Meatballs

• 4 ounces ground grass-fed bison
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1 small marinated Greek pepper about 1 tablespoon, minced
• 2 Kalamat olives minced
• 2 green olives minced
• 1 tablespoon feta cheese crumbled
• 2 cloves garlic minced
  Garlic and other members of the onion family are loaded with sulfur compounds that significantly drive down inflammation and reduce pain by inhibiting the enzymes directly responsible for joint inflammation. Sulfur is a critical component of both healthy cartilage and healthy joints, yet when analyzing the amount of sulfur in the fingernails of arthritis patients, researchers found that they have far less of this important mineral than people who didn’t have arthritis.
• 2 tablespoons onion minced
  Research shows 50 milliliters of olive oil (about 3 1/2 tablespoons) produce the same pain-relieving effect in your joints as a 200-mg tablet of ibuprofen. But don’t overdo it. Studies show that consuming no more than two tablespoons at a time produces optimal health benefit.
• 1 medium egg beaten
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

Sauce

• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint chopped
• 1 clove garlic
  Garlic and other members of the onion family are loaded with sulfur compounds that significantly drive down inflammation and reduce pain by inhibiting the enzymes directly responsible for joint inflammation. Sulfur is a critical component of both healthy cartilage and healthy joints, yet when analyzing the amount of sulfur in the fingernails of arthritis patients, researchers found that they have far less of this important mineral than people who didn’t have arthritis.

Garnish

• 1/2 cup white cabbage shredded
• 1/4 cup carrot shredded
• 2 tablespoons white onions thinly sliced
• 2 pieces whole grain pita bread

Directions

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.

Combine all the ingredients for the meatballs in a bowl and mix gently. Form into 8-10 meatballs about 1 inch in diameter.

Bake the meatballs on a cookie sheet for 5-7 minutes or until cooked through.

While the meatballs are baking, combine the ingredients for the sauce and mix.

Also combine the vegetables and toss together.

Cut the pita in half to form 4 pockets.

Assemble the sandwiches with the vegetables in the bottom of the pocket topped with 2-3 balls and the mint sauce.

TIPS AND NOTES:

Instead of buying a whole jar of olives and peppers you can get the exact amount you need from the olive bars appearing in local health food stores.  You can often get a Greek olive mix that includes feta and Zaatar (a traditional Greek spice blend).   Add some cucumber to the mint sauce for extra freshness and crunch. These meatballs are also great as an appetizer or formed into burgers.

Remember to use meat and dairy from grass-fed, organic animals in order to get all the benefit from this recipe.