Meatballs

Macedonian Meatballs Recipe with Ground Beef and White Wine

Region / culture: Macedonia | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Meatballs are a classic dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, main course, or even as a topping for pasta. These savory and flavorful balls of meat are a favorite in many cuisines around the world.

History

Meatballs have been around for centuries and are believed to have originated in ancient Rome. They were a popular dish among the wealthy and were often made with a mixture of ground meat, bread crumbs, and spices. Over time, meatballs have evolved and are now enjoyed in various forms and flavors across different cultures.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) ground beef
0.5 cup grated onion
1 tbsp minced garlic
salt and pepper to taste
0.25 tsp dried oregano
0.13 tsp dried mint
1 or 2 slices white bread
0.5 cup white wine or water
1 egg
flour for rolling
vegetable oil for frying

How to prepare

Mix the meat, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, and mint together.
Remove the crusts from the bread slices and moisten them in wine or water.
Add the bread and egg to the meat. Knead the mixture.
Shape the mixture into 1 inch balls, dust them with flour, and sauté them in hot vegetable oil.
Once the meatballs are cooked and browned on all sides, place them immediately in a covered casserole and keep them warm until ready to serve.

Variations

Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
Add grated Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh herbs to the meat mixture for extra flavor.
Experiment with different spices and seasonings to customize the taste of the meatballs.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to mix the meat mixture thoroughly to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

- Use moistened bread or breadcrumbs to help bind the meatballs together and keep them moist.

- Sauté the meatballs in hot oil to achieve a crispy and golden brown exterior.

- Keep the meatballs warm in a covered casserole until ready to serve to retain their heat and juiciness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the meatballs with marinara sauce and spaghetti for a classic Italian meal. They can also be enjoyed with mashed potatoes, rice, or a side salad.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat until they are cooked through and browned on all sides. Alternatively, you can bake the meatballs in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have white bread, you can use breadcrumbs or cracker crumbs as a substitute. You can also use ground pork or a mixture of ground meats for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meatball mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before shaping and cooking the meatballs. Cooked meatballs can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the meatballs on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving at a party or gathering. Garnish with fresh herbs or grated cheese for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Meatballs pair well with a variety of side dishes such as pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or a green salad. They also go well with a glass of red wine or a cold beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of meatballs contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of meatballs contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of meatballs contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of meatballs contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

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

Alergens

Meatballs may contain allergens such as wheat (from bread crumbs) and eggs.

Summary

Meatballs are a delicious and protein-rich dish that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. They are a good source of essential nutrients such as iron and vitamin B12.

Summary

Meatballs are a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether served as an appetizer, main course, or topping for pasta, these savory balls of meat are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in the countryside with my family. My mother was an excellent cook, and she had passed down her love for cooking to me. I had always been fascinated by the art of creating delicious meals from scratch, and I often spent hours in the kitchen experimenting with different ingredients and flavors.

One day, while rummaging through my mother's old recipe box, I stumbled upon a faded, yellowed card with the title "Grandma's Famous Meatballs" written in elegant cursive. I had never seen this recipe before, and I was immediately intrigued. As I read through the instructions, I could almost smell the savory aroma of the meatballs cooking in the oven. I knew I had to try making them myself.

I asked my mother about the recipe, and she smiled knowingly. She told me that the recipe had been passed down through generations in our family, and that my great-grandmother had brought it with her when she immigrated to America from Italy many years ago. She explained that the secret to the delicious meatballs was in the combination of ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and a blend of herbs and spices.

Excited to try my hand at making these famous meatballs, I set to work gathering the ingredients. I carefully measured out the ground beef, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese, and added in a generous amount of garlic, oregano, and basil. As I mixed everything together with my hands, I felt a sense of connection to my ancestors, who had lovingly prepared this dish for their own families.

With my meatball mixture ready, I began shaping the meatballs into small, round orbs and placing them on a baking sheet. As I slid the tray into the oven, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and anticipation. I knew that these meatballs would be not just a delicious meal, but a link to my family's past.

As the meatballs cooked, the kitchen filled with the mouthwatering scent of garlic and herbs. I eagerly waited for them to finish, checking on them every few minutes to ensure they were cooking evenly. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I pulled the golden-brown meatballs out of the oven and set them on a platter to cool.

The first bite of the meatballs was pure bliss. The flavors of the beef, cheese, and herbs melted together in a symphony of taste, and I savored each juicy bite. As I ate, I thought about my great-grandmother, who had lovingly prepared this dish for her family so many years ago. I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the recipes and traditions that had been passed down to me, and I knew that I would continue to make these meatballs for generations to come.

Since that day, Grandma's Famous Meatballs have become a staple in my own kitchen. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, and each time I make them, I am transported back to that moment of discovery in my mother's old recipe box. The memory of finding this recipe for the first time will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the love and connection that food can bring to our lives.