Garlic Meatballs

Authentic Algerian Garlic Meatballs Recipe

Region / culture: Algeria | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Garlic meatballs are a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home. The combination of garlic, spices, and tender meatballs creates a dish that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

History

The origins of garlic meatballs can be traced back to Mediterranean cuisine, where garlic is a staple ingredient in many dishes. The addition of garlic to meatballs adds a unique and savory flavor that sets this dish apart from traditional meatball recipes.

Ingredients

4 tbsp butter
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 lb (454 g) beef, cubed
1 head garlic, finely chopped
salt and pepper, to taste
1 tsp cinnamon
0.5 tsp cayenne
1 lb (454 g) ground beef
0.25 cup rice
1 bunch parsley, finely chopped
1 medium egg, beaten
4 tbsp tomato paste
1 can chickpeas, drained

How to prepare

1) In a saucepan, melt the butter and sauté the onion until it begins to brown.
2) Add the cubed meat, half of the garlic, salt, pepper, 0.5 tsp of cinnamon, and the cayenne. Sauté for 5 minutes. Add enough water to cover the ingredients and bring it to a boil. Cover and let it simmer for 45 minutes.
3) Meanwhile, mix ground beef, rice, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and cinnamon. Shape the mixture into meatballs and place them into the simmering pan. Bring it to a boil and let it simmer for 15 minutes. Add tomato paste and chickpeas.
4) Continue simmering until the chickpeas are warmed through and tender.

Variations

For a lighter version, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
You can add different spices such as paprika or cumin for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to finely chop the garlic to ensure that it is evenly distributed throughout the meatballs.

- Sautéing the onion until it begins to brown will add a rich flavor to the dish.

- Simmering the meatballs in the sauce allows the flavors to meld together and creates a tender and juicy meatball.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic meatballs can be served over a bed of rice or with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the meatballs in the sauce allows the flavors to meld together and creates a tender and juicy meatball.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef in this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meatball mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the garlic meatballs in a shallow bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Garlic meatballs pair well with a side of couscous or a fresh salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of garlic meatballs contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of garlic meatballs contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of garlic meatballs contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of garlic meatballs contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

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

Alergens

Garlic meatballs contain eggs and wheat (from the breadcrumbs), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Garlic meatballs are a nutritious and protein-rich dish that is perfect for a satisfying meal.

Summary

Garlic meatballs are a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home. With a rich history and a nutritious profile, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Garlic Meatballs. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in the countryside with my parents. We didn't have much, but we always made the most of what we had. We grew our own vegetables, raised our own livestock, and cooked everything from scratch.

One day, while I was helping my mother in the kitchen, she handed me an old, tattered cookbook that belonged to my grandmother. As I flipped through the pages, I came across a recipe for Garlic Meatballs that caught my eye. The combination of garlic, herbs, and savory meat sounded absolutely delicious, and I knew I had to give it a try.

I asked my mother about the recipe, and she told me that it was a family favorite that had been passed down for generations. She explained that my grandmother had learned to make it from a dear friend who was known for her amazing cooking skills. From that moment on, I was determined to master the art of making these delicious meatballs.

I spent hours in the kitchen, carefully following the recipe and perfecting my technique. I minced the garlic, chopped the herbs, and mixed everything together with the ground meat. I rolled the mixture into small balls and gently fried them until they were golden brown and cooked through.

The aroma that filled the kitchen was absolutely intoxicating. The garlic sizzling in the hot oil, the herbs releasing their fragrant oils, and the meatballs browning to perfection. I couldn't wait to taste the fruits of my labor.

As I took my first bite of the Garlic Meatballs, I was transported back to a time when life was simple and food was made with love. The flavors exploded in my mouth, each bite more delicious than the last. The garlic was bold and pungent, the herbs added a fresh and earthy note, and the meat was tender and juicy. It was a dish that truly captured the essence of home cooking.

From that moment on, Garlic Meatballs became a staple in our household. Whenever we had guests over for dinner, I would proudly serve them this dish and watch as their faces lit up with delight. They would always ask for the recipe, and I would happily share it with them, knowing that it would bring them as much joy as it had brought me.

Over the years, I have continued to make Garlic Meatballs for my family and friends, always adding my own little twist to the recipe. Sometimes I would use different herbs or spices, or a different type of meat. But no matter how I prepared them, the taste of those first Garlic Meatballs always remained ingrained in my memory.

Now, as I sit here reminiscing about that fateful day when I discovered the recipe for Garlic Meatballs, I can't help but feel grateful for the culinary journey it has taken me on. It has brought me closer to my family, allowed me to connect with friends, and given me a sense of pride in my cooking abilities.

I may have learned this recipe from a cookbook, but the true magic lies in the memories and traditions that it has brought to my life. And for that, I will always be grateful. So here's to Garlic Meatballs, a dish that will forever hold a special place in my heart.