Garlic Dill Meatballs

Garlic Dill Meatballs Recipe - Flavorful & Easy to Make

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 16 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Garlic Dill Meatballs are a flavorful and savory dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. These meatballs are packed with delicious ingredients like fresh dill, garlic, and a mix of ground chicken and pork. They are easy to make and can be served as a main course or as an appetizer.

History

The recipe for Garlic Dill Meatballs has been passed down through generations in many families. It is a classic dish that originated in Eastern Europe, where meatballs are a popular comfort food. The combination of garlic and dill gives these meatballs a unique and delicious flavor that is sure to please your taste buds.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) ground chicken
0.5 lb (227 g) ground pork
1 small onion, finely chopped
0.5 cup ground pork rinds (optional)
1 egg
2 garlic cloves, pressed
2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp pepper
2 tbsp canola oil

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
In a bowl, combine the chicken, pork, onion, pork rinds, egg, garlic, dill, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Divide the mixture into 18 meatballs, each measuring 1.5 inches in diameter.
Heat oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat until very hot.
Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 6 minutes. If necessary, brown them in batches.
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through.

Variations

You can customize this recipe by using different types of ground meat, such as beef or turkey. You can also add other herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to finely chop the onion to ensure it cooks evenly with the meatballs.

- If you prefer a crispy exterior on your meatballs, you can fry them in a skillet before baking them in the oven.

- To prevent the meatballs from sticking to the skillet, make sure it is very hot before adding the meatballs.

- You can customize the recipe by adding other herbs and spices like parsley, oregano, or paprika.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic Dill Meatballs can be served with a side of mashed potatoes, rice, or a salad. They can also be served with a dipping sauce or gravy.

Cooking Techniques

The meatballs are first browned in a skillet to give them a crispy exterior, then baked in the oven to ensure they are cooked through.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have fresh dill, you can use dried dill instead. You can also substitute the ground chicken and pork with ground beef or turkey.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meatball mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to cook them. This can save you time on busy weeknights.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Garlic Dill Meatballs on a platter garnished with fresh dill sprigs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Garlic Dill Meatballs pair well with a side of roasted vegetables, a green salad, or a creamy pasta dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Garlic Dill Meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet with a little bit of water and cover until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Garlic Dill Meatballs contains approximately 220 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Garlic Dill Meatballs contains approximately 3 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Garlic Dill Meatballs contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Garlic Dill Meatballs contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Garlic Dill Meatballs are a good source of iron, vitamin B12, and zinc.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and pork, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Garlic Dill Meatballs are a nutritious and delicious dish that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. They are a great option for a balanced meal.

Summary

Garlic Dill Meatballs are a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a flavorful combination of garlic, dill, and ground meat, these meatballs are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins, who was known for her delicious home-cooked meals. As soon as I walked through the door, the aroma of garlic and dill filled the air, making my mouth water.

Mrs. Jenkins greeted me with a warm smile and a hug, inviting me into her cozy kitchen. She was busy preparing a batch of her famous garlic dill meatballs, and I couldn't help but ask her for the recipe. She chuckled and said, "Oh, my dear, this recipe is a family secret, passed down through generations. But I suppose I can make an exception for you."

I watched intently as Mrs. Jenkins expertly mixed ground beef with breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic, dill, and a few other secret ingredients. She shaped the mixture into perfect little meatballs and placed them in a sizzling hot skillet, where they sizzled and browned to perfection.

As the meatballs cooked, Mrs. Jenkins shared with me the story behind the recipe. She told me that her grandmother had learned to make these meatballs from an old friend who had immigrated from Eastern Europe many years ago. The recipe had been tweaked and perfected over the years, becoming a beloved family tradition.

Mrs. Jenkins explained that the key to the recipe was using fresh garlic and dill, as well as taking the time to shape each meatball by hand. She also revealed that a dash of Worcestershire sauce and a sprinkle of paprika were the secret ingredients that gave the meatballs their unique flavor.

After the meatballs were cooked through and tender, Mrs. Jenkins served them over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, drizzling them with a rich gravy made from the pan drippings. The first bite was pure heaven - the savory garlic and dill, the tender meat, the creamy potatoes - it was a flavor explosion in my mouth.

I couldn't wait to try making the recipe for myself, so Mrs. Jenkins graciously wrote it down for me on a yellowed index card, which I tucked away in my recipe box for safekeeping.

Over the years, I have made Mrs. Jenkins' garlic dill meatballs countless times, always receiving rave reviews from friends and family. Each time I make them, I think of that warm summer day in Mrs. Jenkins' kitchen, and how her generosity and love for cooking inspired me to try something new and delicious.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, shaping meatballs and sizzling them in a skillet, I can't help but smile as the familiar aroma of garlic and dill fills the air. This recipe will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy of discovering new flavors and traditions, passed down through generations. And I know that someday I will pass it on to my own grandchildren, just as Mrs. Jenkins did for me.