Jamaican Meat Balls

Jamaican Meat Balls Recipe - Authentic Jamaican Cuisine

Region / culture: Jamaica | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Jamaican Meat Balls are a delicious and flavorful dish that combines minced beef with a variety of seasonings and vegetables. These meatballs are perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

History

Jamaican Meat Balls have roots in traditional Jamaican cuisine, which is known for its bold and spicy flavors. This dish is a fusion of African, Indian, and European influences, resulting in a unique and delicious flavor profile.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) minced beef
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 cup fine breadcrumbs
0.25 cup finely chopped onions
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp shortening
1.5 cups beef broth
1 can tomato soup
1 sprig thyme
4 medium carrots, pared & diced
4 medium potatoes, diced
0.25 tsp black pepper

How to prepare

In a bowl, combine beef, egg, bread crumbs, onions, black pepper, and salt.
Shape the mixture into meatballs.
In a frying pan or skillet, brown the meatballs and pour off the excess oil.
Add the remaining ingredients.
Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until done (30-40 minutes).

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or jalapenos for a spicy kick.
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
Experiment with different herbs and spices such as curry powder or cumin for a unique flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the meatballs before adding them to the broth and tomato soup mixture. This will help seal in the juices and prevent them from falling apart.

- Stir the meatballs occasionally while cooking to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pan.

- Adjust the seasonings to your taste preferences. Feel free to add more or less salt, pepper, or thyme to suit your palate.

Serving Suggestions

Jamaican Meat Balls can be served over rice or with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal. They also pair well with a side of plantains or fried dumplings.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making delicious Jamaican Meat Balls is to brown them before adding them to the broth and tomato soup mixture. This will help enhance the flavor and texture of the meatballs.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have beef broth on hand, you can use chicken or vegetable broth as a substitute. You can also use ground pork or lamb instead of beef for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. This will save you time on busy weeknights.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Jamaican Meat Balls in a large serving dish garnished with fresh thyme leaves for a beautiful presentation. You can also sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Jamaican Meat Balls pair well with a glass of red wine such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. You can also serve them with a cold beer or a fruity cocktail for a refreshing drink option.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Jamaican Meat Balls contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Jamaican Meat Balls contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Jamaican Meat Balls contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Jamaican Meat Balls contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Jamaican Meat Balls are a good source of iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C due to the inclusion of carrots and potatoes in the recipe.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and breadcrumbs, which may be allergens for some individuals. Please check for any food allergies before consuming.

Summary

Jamaican Meat Balls are a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious and satisfying dish.

Summary

Jamaican Meat Balls are a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. With a rich and flavorful broth, tender meatballs, and hearty vegetables, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

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 friend Maria in her cozy little kitchen. Maria was a wonderful cook, and I always looked forward to trying out new recipes with her.

On that particular day, Maria was in a particularly jovial mood. She had just returned from a trip to Jamaica, where she had learned to make the most delicious Jamaican meatballs. As soon as she mentioned them, I knew I had to learn how to make them too.

Maria was more than happy to share the recipe with me. She told me that Jamaican meatballs were a popular dish in the Caribbean, made with a unique blend of spices that gave them their distinct flavor. She handed me a tattered old recipe card, yellowed with age, that had been passed down through her family for generations.

I eagerly studied the ingredients and instructions, taking note of every detail. The recipe called for ground beef, breadcrumbs, onions, garlic, scotch bonnet pepper, thyme, allspice, and a few other secret ingredients that Maria promised would make the meatballs truly special.

I quickly got to work, mixing the ingredients together and shaping them into small, round meatballs. The scent of the spices filled the kitchen, and my mouth watered in anticipation of tasting the finished dish.

As the meatballs cooked in the skillet, Maria told me stories of her time in Jamaica and the wonderful people she had met there. She spoke of the vibrant markets filled with fresh produce and the rhythmic music that seemed to permeate every corner of the island.

Finally, the meatballs were done, and Maria served them on a bed of fluffy white rice. The first bite was a revelation. The meatballs were tender and juicy, with a perfect balance of savory and spicy flavors. I knew then that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I have made Jamaican meatballs countless times, each batch better than the last. I have tweaked the recipe here and there, adding my own personal touches to make it truly my own.

I have served Jamaican meatballs to friends and family, who have all raved about how delicious they are. I have even entered them in cooking competitions, where they have won me several blue ribbons and accolades.

But no matter how many times I make Jamaican meatballs, they always remind me of that warm summer day in Maria's kitchen. They transport me back to the sights and sounds of Jamaica, and the wonderful memories I made there.

So whenever I make Jamaican meatballs, I do so with a grateful heart, thankful for the recipe that has brought so much joy and flavor into my life. And I always make sure to pass it on to others, just as Maria did for me, so that they too can experience the magic of this delicious dish.