Miso-Ginger Meatballs with Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce

2 tablespoons sweet white miso

2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil

1 teaspoon seasoned rice vinegar

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger

1 pound lean ground beef

3 scallions, finely chopped

Peanut dipping sauce

½ cup peanut butter

1½ tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar

1 teaspoon hot sauce

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger

6 tablespoons water

Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Spritz a baking sheet with cooking spray.

In a blender, combine the miso, sesame oil, vinegar, garlic powder and ginger. Blend until smooth, then transfer to a large bowl. Add the beef and scallions, then mix well.

Form the mixture into about 12 meatballs, then arrange them on the prepared baking sheet. Spritz the meatballs with cooking spray, then bake until cooked through, about 12-15 minutes.

Meanwhile, in the blender (no need to rinse it out) combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, vinegar, hot sauce, garlic powder, ginger and water. Blend until smooth.

Serve the meatballs on toothpicks for easy dipping. Alternatively, use them in a sub and drizzle the peanut sauce over them.

Serves four.

Nutrition values per serving: 384 calories, 23 g fat (4 g saturated), 13 g carbohydrates, 3 g fiber, 31 g protein, 60 mg cholesterol, 1,255 mg sodium.

J.M. Hirsch, Associated Press