Hot and Spicy Meat Balls

Hot and Spicy Meat Balls Recipe - Delicious and Flavorful

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Hot and Spicy Meatballs are a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for those who enjoy a little kick in their meals. These meatballs are coated in a tangy and spicy sauce that will leave your taste buds tingling with delight.

History

The origins of Hot and Spicy Meatballs are not entirely clear, but it is believed that this dish has its roots in traditional meatball recipes that have been passed down through generations. The addition of spicy ingredients such as tabasco sauce and cayenne pepper gives this dish a modern twist and adds a unique flavor profile.

Ingredients

Sauce

0.75 cup of ketchup
0.5 cup of water
0.25 cup of cider vinegar
2 tbsp of brown sugar
1 tbsp of minced onion
2 tsp of worcestershire sauce
1.5 tsp of salt
1 tsp of dry mustard
0.25 tsp of pepper
3 drops of tabasco sauce
a pinch of cayenne pepper (or to taste)

Meatballs

0.75 lb (340 g) of ground beef
0.75 cup of fine breadcrumbs
0.75 tsp of salt
0.5 tsp of pepper
1.5 tbsp of minced onion
0.5 tsp of horseradish
3 drops of tabasco sauce
2 beaten eggs
1 tbsp of butter or margarine

How to prepare

In a bowl, mix together the sauce ingredients and set aside.
Combine the meatball ingredients and shape into 0.75 inch balls.
Melt butter or margarine in a skillet and evenly brown the meatballs.
Once the meatballs are browned, drain any excess grease and pour the sauce over them. Cover the skillet.
Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Keep the dish hot until ready to serve.

Variations

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef for a lighter option.
Add diced bell peppers or jalapenos for an extra kick of heat.
Use BBQ sauce instead of the homemade sauce for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to evenly brown the meatballs to ensure they are cooked through.

- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and tabasco sauce to suit your spice preference.

- Be sure to cover the skillet while cooking the meatballs in the sauce to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Hot and Spicy Meatballs can be served over rice or pasta, or enjoyed on their own as a tasty appetizer.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the meatballs before adding the sauce helps to seal in the juices and adds flavor.

- Covering the skillet while cooking the meatballs in the sauce allows the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use panko breadcrumbs instead of fine breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture.

- Substitute hot sauce for tabasco sauce if desired.

- Use minced garlic instead of minced onion for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Hot and Spicy Meatballs can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before reheating and serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Hot and Spicy Meatballs in a decorative serving dish garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Hot and Spicy Meatballs pair well with a side of steamed vegetables, a crisp green salad, or garlic bread.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Hot and Spicy Meatballs 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 Hot and Spicy Meatballs contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Hot and Spicy Meatballs contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Hot and Spicy Meatballs contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Hot and Spicy Meatballs contains approximately 18 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Hot and Spicy Meatballs are a good source of iron, vitamin B12, and zinc.

Alergens

This recipe contains breadcrumbs, eggs, and Worcestershire sauce, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Hot and Spicy Meatballs are a balanced meal option that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Hot and Spicy Meatballs are a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for those who enjoy a little heat in their meals. With a tangy and spicy sauce coating tender meatballs, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Hot and Spicy Meat Balls. It was a hot summer day, and I was rummaging through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I flipped through the yellowed pages, stained with splatters of ingredients from years past, I stumbled upon a worn piece of paper tucked between the pages.

Curious, I unfolded the paper and saw a handwritten recipe for Hot and Spicy Meat Balls. The recipe was written in elegant cursive, with detailed instructions and a list of ingredients that made my mouth water. I knew I had to try making these meatballs.

As I read through the recipe, I couldn't help but wonder where it had come from. It didn't seem like something my grandmother would have made, as she was a traditional cook who stuck to her tried and true recipes. I decided to ask her about it the next time I saw her.

When I brought up the recipe to my grandmother, she smiled knowingly and told me the story of how she had acquired it. She explained that many years ago, during a trip to Italy, she had met a charming old woman who invited her into her home for a meal. The old woman had served her these delicious Hot and Spicy Meat Balls, and my grandmother had been so impressed by the flavors that she had asked for the recipe.

The old woman had been delighted to share her recipe, passing it down through generations of her family. My grandmother had treasured the recipe ever since, making it on special occasions for her loved ones. And now, she was passing it down to me.

Excited to try my hand at making these meatballs, I set out to gather the ingredients. The recipe called for a mix of ground beef and pork, breadcrumbs, onions, garlic, and a variety of spices that promised to pack a punch. I spent a whole afternoon in the kitchen, mixing and shaping the meatballs, then frying them until they were golden brown and deliciously fragrant.

As I took my first bite of the Hot and Spicy Meat Balls, I was transported back to that small kitchen in Italy, where the smell of garlic and spices filled the air. The meatballs were everything I had hoped for – juicy, flavorful, and with just the right amount of heat to make them truly unforgettable.

From that day on, Hot and Spicy Meat Balls became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made them for family gatherings, potlucks, and dinner parties, always receiving rave reviews from everyone who tried them. The recipe had a special place in my heart, a reminder of the unexpected joys that can come from a simple act of curiosity.

Over the years, I have added my own twists to the recipe, experimenting with different spices and ingredients to make it my own. But no matter how many variations I try, the original recipe remains a favorite among my loved ones, a testament to the power of sharing food and recipes across generations.

As I sit here now, writing down the story of how I learned to make Hot and Spicy Meat Balls, I can't help but feel grateful for the serendipitous discovery that led me to this delicious dish. It's a reminder that sometimes, the best recipes come from unexpected sources, and that the joy of cooking is in the journey of discovery and sharing. And so, I will continue to make these meatballs for years to come, passing down the recipe to future generations and spreading the love and flavors of a simple, yet unforgettable dish.