One-pan Venison Meatballs with Couscous and Salad

• Venison meatballs are incredibly tasty and versatile. This recipe is a great crowd pleaser and a fantastic option for a healthy-but-hearty mid-week meal.

Ingredients

• Tbsp mild vegetable oil (e.g. rice bran)
  

• 1 packet (12) First Light farm raised venison meatballs
  
• 1 small onion – finely diced
  
• 2 cloves garlic – finely chopped
  
• 1 1/2 cups pearl (Israeli) couscous
  
• 1/2 cup water
  
• 2 cups chicken stock (or other stock of your choice)

SALAD

• 3 cups finely sliced greens such as spinach, sorrel and arugula
  

• 1/3 cup finely chopped coriander
  
• 1/3 cup finely chopped parsley
  
• 1 Tbsp finely chopped dill (optional)
  
• 180g (approx. 1.5 cups) cherry tomatoes – cut in half
  
• 1/2 long cucumber (or 1 short cucumber) – diced
  
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds – lightly toasted

DRESSING

• 1/2 cup olive oil
  

• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
  
• 4 Tbsp lemon juice – freshly squeezed
  
• 2 tsp lemon zest – finely chopped
  
• A touch of salt and pepper to taste

VENISON MEATBALLS

• 1 lb ground First Light Farms venison
  

• 1 tsp crushed garlic
  
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  
• 2 Tbsp breadcrumbs
  
• 1/2 tsp salt
  
• 1/2 tsp pepper
  
• 1 Tbsp chilled water