Haitian-style Meatballs

Haitian-style Meatballs Recipe - Authentic Haitian Flavors

Region / culture: Haiti | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Haitian-style meatballs are a delicious and flavorful dish that combines ground beef with traditional Haitian spices and ingredients. These meatballs are perfect for a hearty meal or as a tasty appetizer for a party or gathering.

History

The recipe for Haitian-style meatballs has been passed down through generations in Haitian families. It is a popular dish in Haitian cuisine and is often served at special occasions and celebrations. The combination of ground beef, bacon, and spices creates a unique and savory flavor that is sure to please your taste buds.

Ingredients

4 slices of white bread
1 cup of milk
1 lb (454 g) of freshly ground lean beef
2 slices of smoked ham or bacon, minced
salt and pepper to taste
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 tbsp of tomato paste
0.5 cup of flour
0.5 cup of grated parmesan cheese
fat for frying, heated to 365°F (185°C)

How to prepare

Soak the bread in milk for 5 minutes, then mash and mix it with ground beef, minced ham, salt, pepper, garlic, and tomato paste.
Roll the mixture into walnut-sized balls, coat them with flour, and then with cheese.
Fry the balls in heated fat until they turn golden brown.
Drain them on absorbent paper.
Serve them hot with tomato sauce as a dip.

Variations

Add chopped onions and bell peppers to the meatball mixture for added flavor and texture.
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
Serve the meatballs with a spicy Haitian pikliz (pickled vegetable relish) for a tangy kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to soak the bread in milk for at least 5 minutes to ensure that it is fully saturated and easy to mix with the ground beef.

- Be sure to coat the meatballs in flour and cheese before frying to create a crispy and flavorful crust.

- Use freshly ground lean beef for the best texture and flavor in your meatballs.

- Fry the meatballs in hot oil to ensure that they cook evenly and develop a golden brown crust.

Serving Suggestions

Haitian-style meatballs can be served as a main dish with rice and beans or as an appetizer with a side of tomato sauce for dipping.

Cooking Techniques

Frying the meatballs in hot oil ensures that they cook evenly and develop a crispy crust. Be sure to drain them on absorbent paper to remove excess oil before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have smoked bacon, you can use regular bacon or omit it altogether for a lighter option. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour in place of white bread for a gluten-free alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meatball mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frying. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes for an easier and quicker meal prep.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Haitian-style meatballs on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving at a party or gathering. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Haitian-style meatballs pair well with rice and beans, plantains, or a simple green salad. They also go well with a cold beer or a fruity cocktail for a refreshing drink option.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Haitian-style meatballs contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Haitian-style meatballs contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Haitian-style meatballs contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Haitian-style meatballs contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Haitian-style meatballs are a good source of iron, vitamin B12, and zinc.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (milk and cheese) and gluten (bread and flour).

Summary

Haitian-style meatballs are a delicious and protein-rich dish that is perfect for a hearty meal. They are high in fats and proteins, making them a satisfying and flavorful option for any occasion.

Summary

Haitian-style meatballs are a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a unique blend of spices and ingredients, these meatballs are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy them as a main dish or as a tasty appetizer at your next gathering!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was many years ago, during a trip to Haiti with my dear friend Marguerite. We had spent the day exploring the bustling markets and vibrant streets of Port-au-Prince, soaking in the sights, sounds, and smells of this beautiful country.

As we wandered through the market, we stumbled upon a small, unassuming food stall tucked away in a corner. The aroma of spices and sizzling meat wafted through the air, drawing us in like magnets. Curious, we approached the stall and struck up a conversation with the friendly woman behind the counter.

She introduced herself as Marie-Claire, a local cook known for her delicious Haitian-style meatballs. Intrigued, we watched as she expertly mixed ground beef with a medley of spices, herbs, and aromatics. The smell was intoxicating, and our mouths watered in anticipation.

As Marie-Claire shaped the meat mixture into perfect little balls, she shared her recipe with us, explaining each step in intricate detail. I listened intently, committing every word to memory, determined to recreate the magic of her meatballs in my own kitchen back home.

After bidding Marie-Claire a fond farewell and thanking her for her generosity, Marguerite and I returned to our hotel, eager to try our hand at making Haitian-style meatballs. We gathered the necessary ingredients and set to work, following Marie-Claire's instructions to the letter.

The kitchen was filled with the rich, savory aroma of simmering meatballs as they cooked to perfection in a fragrant tomato sauce. I couldn't help but smile as I watched Marguerite take her first bite, her eyes widening in delight at the burst of flavors in her mouth.

From that moment on, Haitian-style meatballs became a staple in my cooking repertoire, a dish that never failed to impress friends and family alike. Over the years, I have refined and perfected the recipe, adding my own little touches and tweaks to make it truly my own.

But no matter how many times I make these meatballs, the memory of that fateful day in Haiti will always be etched in my mind. It was a moment of serendipity, a chance encounter that sparked a culinary journey I never could have imagined.

As I sit here now, preparing a fresh batch of Haitian-style meatballs for my grandchildren, I can't help but feel grateful for the experiences and people that have shaped my love for cooking. Each recipe tells a story, a tale of discovery and connection that transcends borders and cultures.

And so, as I serve up these fragrant, flavorful meatballs to my eager grandchildren, I pass on not just a recipe, but a piece of my heart and soul. For in the kitchen, as in life, the most precious ingredients are love, passion, and a touch of magic.