Meat Balls in Vodka

Meat Balls in Vodka Recipe from Latvia | Ingredients & Directions

Region / culture: Latvia | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Meat Balls in Vodka is a delicious and savory dish that combines juicy meatballs with a rich and creamy vodka sauce. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.

History

The origins of Meat Balls in Vodka are a bit unclear, but it is believed to have originated in Eastern Europe, where vodka is a popular spirit used in cooking. The combination of tender meatballs and a creamy vodka sauce creates a unique and flavorful dish that is sure to impress.

Ingredients

Meatballs

2.5 lb (1.13 kg) ground beef
2 eggs, slightly beaten
2 cups cracker crumbs
0.5 lb (227 g) ground lean pork
1 cup milk
0.5 tsp lemon rind
0.25 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp salt
0.25 tsp pepper

Sauce

3 cups thinly sliced onions
1 cup sour cream
2 tbsp flour
1 can condensed beef bouillon
blend in 0.5 cup dry vermouth
2 oz (57 g) vodka

How to prepare

Meatballs

Mix the ingredients well and let the mixture stand for 1 hour.
Then, form the mixture into small balls.

Sauce

In a skillet, brown the meatballs along with 3 cups of thinly sliced onions for about 15 minutes.
Remove the meatballs from the pan.
To the drippings in the pan, add sour cream and thicken the mixture with flour and beef bouillon.
Cook the mixture until it is well blended, then add the onions and meatballs back to the pan.
Finally, blend in dry vermouth and vodka.

Variations

For a lighter version, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork.
Add in some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a burst of freshness.
For a spicy kick, add in some red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the sauce.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to let the meatball mixture stand for at least 1 hour before forming into balls. This will allow the flavors to meld together and create a more delicious meatball.

- Browning the meatballs and onions before adding the sauce will add depth of flavor to the dish.

- Be sure to cook the sauce until it is well blended and thickened before adding the meatballs back to the pan.

Serving Suggestions

Meat Balls in Vodka can be served over cooked pasta or mashed potatoes for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to brown the meatballs and onions in a hot skillet to develop a nice crust and flavor.

- Thicken the sauce with flour to create a creamy and rich texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use breadcrumbs instead of cracker crumbs in the meatball mixture.

- If you don't have vermouth, you can substitute with white wine.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the meatballs in the sauce on the stovetop.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Meat Balls in Vodka in a large serving dish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top. Pair with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Meat Balls in Vodka pairs well with a glass of red wine or a cold beer. Serve with crusty bread for dipping in the sauce.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Meat Balls in Vodka 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 Meat Balls in Vodka contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Meat Balls in Vodka contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Meat Balls in Vodka contains approximately 25 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Meat Balls in Vodka contains approximately 30 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Meat Balls in Vodka is a good source of iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (sour cream) and gluten (cracker crumbs).

Summary

Meat Balls in Vodka is a rich and hearty dish that is high in protein and fats. It is a satisfying meal that is perfect for a special occasion.

Summary

Meat Balls in Vodka is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion. The tender meatballs and creamy vodka sauce create a flavorful and satisfying meal that is sure to impress. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Meat Balls in Vodka. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. Maria was a wonderful cook, always experimenting with new flavors and ingredients. She had a twinkle in her eye as she handed me a faded piece of paper with the recipe written in her elegant handwriting.

"Darling, you must try this recipe," Maria said with a smile. "It's a family favorite, passed down from generation to generation. I know you will love it."

I studied the recipe intently, taking note of the unique ingredients and steps involved in making the dish. The combination of ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and vodka intrigued me. I had never heard of using vodka in a meatball recipe before, but I trusted Maria's culinary expertise.

Over the next few weeks, I set out to perfect the recipe for Meat Balls in Vodka. I spent hours in my own kitchen, mixing and shaping the meatballs with care. The aroma of garlic and onions filled the air as the meatballs sizzled in the skillet. I added a splash of vodka to the sauce, watching as it simmered and infused the dish with a rich, savory flavor.

The first time I served the Meat Balls in Vodka to my family, they were met with rave reviews. My husband declared them the best meatballs he had ever tasted, and my children begged for seconds. I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment knowing that I had successfully recreated Maria's beloved recipe in my own kitchen.

As the years passed, the recipe for Meat Balls in Vodka became a staple in my repertoire. I made it for special occasions and family gatherings, always receiving compliments and requests for the recipe. I shared it with friends and neighbors, passing on the tradition of this unique and delicious dish.

One day, I received a letter from Maria, who had moved to Italy to be closer to her family. In her letter, she expressed her delight that I had embraced her recipe and made it my own. She wrote of the fond memories we shared in her kitchen, cooking and laughing together.

I thought back to those days spent with Maria, learning from her and soaking up her wisdom in the kitchen. She had taught me not just how to cook, but how to infuse every dish with love and care. I realized that the recipe for Meat Balls in Vodka was more than just a list of ingredients and instructions – it was a connection to my dear friend and the cherished moments we shared.

In that moment, I made a vow to continue sharing the recipe for Meat Balls in Vodka with others, spreading joy and comfort through the delicious flavors of this beloved dish. I knew that every time I made it, Maria's spirit would be there in my kitchen, guiding me and watching over me.

And so, I carry on the tradition of Meat Balls in Vodka, passing it down to future generations and keeping alive the memory of my dear friend Maria. It is a recipe that will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.