Mama Iuliucci's Famous Meat-a-Balls

Mama Iuliucci's Famous Meat-a-Balls Recipe - Authentic Italian Cuisine

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Mama Iuliucci's Famous Meat-a-Balls are a classic Italian dish that has been passed down through generations. These delicious meatballs are perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. The combination of lean ground beef, bread, eggs, and seasonings creates a flavorful and tender meatball that is sure to please everyone at the table.

History

This recipe has been a staple in Mama Iuliucci's family for years. It originated in the small town of Napoli, Italy, where Mama Iuliucci's grandmother first created these meatballs. The recipe has been passed down through the generations, with each family member adding their own twist to make it their own. Mama Iuliucci has perfected the recipe over the years, making it a beloved dish in her family and among her friends.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) lean ground beef
8 – 10 slices white bread, broken into small 0.5 inch pieces (or you can use rolls or any stale bread you have and want to use up)
2 eggs, slightly beaten
0.5 tsp garlic powder (or to taste)
1 tsp italian seasoning (or to taste)
2 tsp parsley flakes (or to taste)
0.25 – 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese (or locatelli)
1 – 2 tsp salt
0.25 – 0.5 tsp black pepper
olive oil or vegetable oil (for frying)

How to prepare

Mix all ingredients gently in a large bowl until well combined.
Roll meatballs 1.5 - 1.75 inches in diameter.
Heat about 0.25 inches of oil over medium heat in a large frying pan.
Fry meatballs in oil, rolling frequently, until evenly browned and juices run clear.
Drop meatballs in your favorite sauce and let simmer for a while to flavor the sauce or just serve with your favorite pasta and sauce.
Tip: you can also bake or broil these if the frying part is too much of a hassle — I use my broiler pan if I bake them, so the fat drips down and away from the meatballs.

Variations

Add chopped onions or garlic for extra flavor.
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
Experiment with different seasonings such as oregano, basil, or red pepper flakes.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to mix the ingredients gently to avoid overworking the meat, which can result in tough meatballs.

- Rolling the meatballs to a consistent size will ensure even cooking.

- Frying the meatballs in oil adds a crispy exterior and locks in the juices, but they can also be baked or broiled for a healthier option.

- Adding the meatballs to your favorite sauce and letting them simmer will infuse the sauce with flavor, or you can simply serve them with pasta and sauce on the side.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Mama Iuliucci's Famous Meat-a-Balls with your favorite pasta and sauce, or enjoy them on their own as a delicious appetizer.

Cooking Techniques

Gently mix the ingredients to avoid tough meatballs.

- Roll the meatballs to a consistent size for even cooking.

- Fry, bake, or broil the meatballs according to your preference.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.

- Use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free option.

- Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a dairy-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meatball mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to cook. This allows the flavors to meld together for a more delicious result.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Mama Iuliucci's Famous Meat-a-Balls on a platter with toothpicks for a fun and easy appetizer option. Garnish with fresh parsley or grated cheese for a finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Mama Iuliucci's Famous Meat-a-Balls with a side of garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a complete meal. Serve with a glass of red wine for a classic Italian dining experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover 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 Mama Iuliucci's Famous Meat-a-Balls contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Mama Iuliucci's Famous Meat-a-Balls contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Mama Iuliucci's Famous Meat-a-Balls contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Mama Iuliucci's Famous Meat-a-Balls contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Mama Iuliucci's Famous Meat-a-Balls are a good source of iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat (bread) and eggs.

Summary

Mama Iuliucci's Famous Meat-a-Balls are a balanced meal option, providing a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are also a good source of essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Mama Iuliucci's Famous Meat-a-Balls are a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a perfect blend of flavors and a tender texture, these meatballs are sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy them with pasta, sauce, or on their own for a satisfying meal that will leave everyone asking for more.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Mama Iuliucci's Famous Meat-a-Balls. It was a warm summer day, and I had decided to take a stroll through the bustling streets of Little Italy in New York City. The aroma of garlic and tomatoes wafted through the air, drawing me towards a small, cozy Italian restaurant tucked away in a corner.

As I walked in, I was greeted by the sight of Mama Iuliucci herself, a stout and jovial woman with a twinkle in her eye. She was busy at work in the kitchen, preparing a batch of her famous meatballs. The scent that filled the room was intoxicating, and I knew I had to find out the secret behind her delicious creation.

I struck up a conversation with Mama Iuliucci, and she was more than happy to share her recipe with me. She explained that the key to her meatballs was a combination of fresh herbs, spices, and a secret ingredient that she swore by. As she showed me how to mix the ingredients together, she regaled me with stories of her upbringing in the Italian countryside and how her mother had taught her how to cook from a young age.

I watched in awe as Mama Iuliucci expertly shaped the meat mixture into perfect spheres and placed them in a sizzling pan of olive oil. The sizzle of the meatballs as they cooked was music to my ears, and I couldn't wait to taste the final product.

As we sat down to enjoy a meal together, Mama Iuliucci shared more of her culinary wisdom with me. She told me that cooking was not just about following a recipe, but about putting love and passion into every dish. She explained that each ingredient had a story to tell, and it was up to the cook to bring those stories to life through their cooking.

After that day, I made Mama Iuliucci's Famous Meat-a-Balls a regular staple in my own kitchen. I would spend hours perfecting the recipe, experimenting with different variations and adding my own twist to the dish. Every time I made them, the scent of garlic and tomatoes would transport me back to that little Italian restaurant and the warm memories I had shared with Mama Iuliucci.

Over the years, I continued to hone my cooking skills and collect recipes from various places and people. But Mama Iuliucci's Famous Meat-a-Balls remained a special favorite of mine, a dish that never failed to evoke feelings of comfort and nostalgia.

As I grow older, I realize that the true joy of cooking lies not just in the food itself, but in the memories and stories that come with it. Mama Iuliucci's recipe has become more than just a dish to me – it is a reminder of the passion and love that goes into every meal we create.

And so, as I pass on this recipe to future generations, I hope that they too will find joy in the simple act of cooking and the stories that come with each dish. For food is not just nourishment for the body, but for the soul as well. And Mama Iuliucci's Famous Meat-a-Balls will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy and love that can be found in a simple plate of food.