Place ground almonds on a separate plate for later on
In to a food processor place apples (remove core but keep skin) and blitz until finely chopped. Add onion and garlic (both optional) and blitz until combined and finely chopped
Now add in ¾ of the beef mince + 2tsp smoked paprika +salt+pepper+oregano + egg and blitz until fully combined
Add in remaining beef mince and pulse 2-3 times
With clean hands roll in to meatballs. I usually make them about the size of a ping pong ball, roll in to ground almond mix just to lightly coat
Grease the bottom of a cooking dish with olive oil then place meat balls in individually until all packed together (Makes about 18-20 meatballs)
Place in oven for 10 - 15 minutes to seal
Remove the pot from oven and carefully add the tin of cherry tomatoes (or homemade tomato sauce) + water (stir around carefully) and a generous sprinkle of paprika on top and a little thyme (you will use the rest to garnish)
Place back in the middle of the oven for 20-25 minutes until bubbling and baked (the tops will have turned a gorgeous deep red)
Sprinkle with a little sea salt, some more thyme and serve straight away
Enjoy!
Recipe by at https://thelowcarbkitchen.co.uk/smoked-paprika-apple-and-thyme-meatballs/