Meatball Cakes with Beer Rice

Meatball Cakes with Beer Rice Recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Servings: 6-8

Introduction

Meatball cakes with beer rice is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the savory flavors of meatballs with the rich and flavorful taste of beer-infused rice. This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or for entertaining guests.

History

Meatball cakes with beer rice is a modern twist on traditional meatball recipes. The combination of ground veal and pork creates a tender and flavorful meatball, while the addition of beer to the rice adds a unique and delicious depth of flavor.

Ingredients

Meatball cakes

1 lb (454 g) ground veal
1 lb (454 g) ground pork
0.25 cup flour
1 tbsp salt
0.5 tsp pepper
4 eggs
0.5 cup light cream or half and half
1 cup milk
1 large onion, chopped
1 tbsp butter or shortening

Beer rice

2.5 tbsp olive oil
1 cup raw long-grain rice
10.5 oz (298 g) condensed onion soup
10.5 oz (298 g) beer

How to prepare

Meatball cakes

In a large bowl, place the ground meats.
Brown onions in butter or shortening for 5 minutes, then set them aside to cool.
Using an electric beater on low speed, add the flour, salt, and pepper to the bowl.
Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the cream and milk.
Finally, add the cooled onions and mix everything well.
Shape the mixture into 6 – 8 oval cakes.
Fry the cakes on both sides for about 30 minutes, or bake them uncovered for 45 minutes in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C).

Beer rice

Heat oil over medium heat.
Add the rice and lightly brown it while stirring constantly.
Stir in the soup and beer, making sure everything is well combined.
Cover the pot tightly and simmer until all the liquid is absorbed, which should take about 25 minutes.

Variations

Substitute ground beef or turkey for the veal and pork in the meatball cakes.
Add chopped herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to the meatball mixture for extra flavor.
Use vegetable broth instead of beer in the rice for a non-alcoholic version of the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the onions for the meatball cakes until they are caramelized to enhance their sweetness.

- When shaping the meatball cakes, wet your hands with water to prevent the mixture from sticking.

- For a crispy exterior on the meatball cakes, fry them in a hot skillet with a little oil.

- Use a flavorful beer, such as a dark ale or stout, for the beer rice to enhance the overall taste of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the meatball cakes with beer rice with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete and balanced meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the onions for the meatball cakes adds a rich and caramelized flavor to the dish.

- Simmering the rice in the beer and onion soup infuses it with a delicious and savory taste.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ground chicken or lamb instead of veal and pork in the meatball cakes.

- Replace the condensed onion soup with beef or vegetable broth in the beer rice.

Make Ahead Tips

Both the meatball cakes and beer rice can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the meatball cakes on a platter and drizzle them with a creamy sauce, such as a garlic aioli or a tangy mustard dressing. Serve the beer rice in a separate bowl garnished with fresh herbs.

Pairing Recommendations

Meatball cakes with beer rice pairs well with a cold glass of beer or a full-bodied red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of meatball cakes with beer rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of meatball cakes with beer rice contains approximately 500 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of meatball cakes with beer rice contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of meatball cakes with beer rice contains approximately 25 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of meatball cakes with beer rice contains approximately 35 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Meatball cakes with beer rice are a good source of iron, vitamin B12, and zinc.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (milk, half and half) and eggs.

Summary

Meatball cakes with beer rice is a protein-rich dish that is also high in fats and carbohydrates. It provides a good amount of essential vitamins and minerals, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal.

Summary

Meatball cakes with beer rice is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines tender meatballs with savory beer-infused rice. This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or for entertaining guests, and can be customized with different meats and seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy this delicious and hearty meal with your family and friends!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of wonder. I had never heard of Meatball Cakes with Beer Rice before, and the combination of flavors intrigued me. It was a chilly fall day, and I was visiting my friend Martha's house for a cozy dinner. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the delicious smell of simmering meatballs and the comforting aroma of beer-infused rice.

Martha was a master in the kitchen, and she shared with me that this recipe was a family heirloom passed down from her great-grandmother. She explained that the secret to the dish was in the meatballs, which were a mixture of ground beef, breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices. The meatballs were then shaped into small cakes and pan-fried until crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

As Martha worked her magic in the kitchen, I watched in awe as she effortlessly whipped up the beer-infused rice. She sautéed onions and garlic in butter before adding in the rice and a splash of beer. The rice cooked to perfection, soaking up the flavors of the beer and onions, creating a rich and savory side dish that perfectly complemented the meatball cakes.

I couldn't wait to try the finished dish, and when Martha finally plated it up, I was blown away by the delicious flavors and textures. The meatball cakes were tender and flavorful, with a crispy exterior that added a satisfying crunch. And the beer rice was a revelation, with a deep, nutty flavor that perfectly balanced the richness of the meatballs.

I knew that I had to learn how to make this recipe for myself, so I asked Martha to teach me the secrets of her great-grandmother's dish. She was more than happy to oblige, and we spent the next few hours in her kitchen, chopping, mixing, and cooking together.

Martha guided me through each step of the recipe, sharing tips and tricks that had been passed down through generations of her family. She showed me how to season the meatballs just right, how to shape them into perfect cakes, and how to fry them until they were golden brown and irresistible.

As we cooked, Martha shared stories of her great-grandmother, a formidable woman who had raised a large family on a farm in the countryside. She was known for her incredible cooking skills and her ability to turn simple ingredients into delicious meals that brought her family together.

I felt honored to be learning this recipe from Martha, and I could sense the love and history that went into every bite of the dish. As we sat down to enjoy our meal, I felt a deep connection to the past and to the generations of women who had cooked and shared this recipe before me.

From that day on, Meatball Cakes with Beer Rice became a staple in my own kitchen. I would make it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and quiet nights at home. And every time I cooked it, I would think of Martha and her great-grandmother, and the bond that we shared over a shared love of food and family.

This recipe has become more than just a dish to me; it's a reminder of the power of tradition, the joy of cooking, and the love that can be shared through a simple meal. And every time I make it, I am filled with a sense of wonder and gratitude for the people and the stories that have brought it into my life.