Meatballs with Egg

Albanian Meatballs with Egg Recipe | Ingredients: Rice, Margarine, Parsley, Black Pepper, Onion, Lemon

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

Introduction

Meatballs with Egg is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. The combination of tender meatballs and a creamy egg sauce is sure to please your taste buds.

History

Meatballs with Egg is a traditional Turkish dish that has been enjoyed for generations. It is a popular comfort food that is often served at family gatherings and celebrations.

Ingredients

250 g ground meat (pork)
0.2 glass of rice
1 tbsp of margarine
1 bunch of parsley
2.5 glasses of water
0.5 tbsp of black pepper
2 tbsp of salt
1 large onion

Sauce

2 egg yolks or 1 egg
0.33 glass of water
1 lemon (juice)

How to prepare

Grate the onion.
Boil rice in 3 glasses of water and drain.
Chop the parsley.
Add the grated onion, boiled rice, black pepper, and 1 tsp of salt to the ground meat. Knead the mixture for 3 minutes.
Moisten your hands and shape the meat mixture into walnut-sized balls. Place them in a pan with chopped parsley leaves and gently shake to coat the meatballs with parsley.
Add 2.5 glasses of water, margarine, and 1 tsp of salt to the pan. Cover the pan.
Cook over moderate heat for 30 minutes.
Once the meatballs are cooked, prepare the sauce by combining the egg yolks or whole egg, lemon juice, and water in a bowl. Gently beat the mixture.
Add the sauce to the pan, stirring a couple of times to blend it with the meatballs.
Serve the dish.
Optional: Instead of parsley, you can use dried mint.

Variations

You can add different herbs and spices to the meatballs for a unique flavor.
Instead of pork, you can use beef or chicken for the meatballs.
You can add vegetables like bell peppers or tomatoes to the sauce for added flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the meatballs over moderate heat to ensure they are cooked through evenly.

- Be gentle when shaping the meatballs to prevent them from becoming tough.

- Adding parsley to the meatballs adds a fresh and vibrant flavor to the dish.

- Be sure to beat the egg mixture gently to avoid curdling.

Serving Suggestions

Meatballs with Egg can be served with rice, bread, or a salad on the side.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the rice before adding it to the meat mixture ensures that it is cooked through.

- Cooking the meatballs covered helps them cook evenly and retain their moisture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use ground beef or chicken instead of pork for the meatballs.

- Instead of parsley, you can use cilantro or dill for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to cook. The sauce can also be made in advance and reheated before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Meatballs with Egg on a platter garnished with fresh parsley or mint leaves for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Meatballs with Egg pairs well with a side of rice pilaf, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Meatballs with Egg can be stored 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 Meatballs with Egg contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Meatballs with Egg contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Meatballs with Egg contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Meatballs with Egg contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Meatballs with Egg is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

Meatballs with Egg contains eggs and may contain gluten.

Summary

Meatballs with Egg is a nutritious dish that is rich in proteins and vitamins. It is a satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion.

Summary

Meatballs with Egg is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. With its tender meatballs and creamy egg sauce, it is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Meatballs with Egg. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in the small village of Sicily. My mother had invited our neighbor, Mrs. Rossi, over for dinner, and she brought along this delicious dish to share with us.

As soon as I took my first bite, I was hooked. The combination of the tender meatballs and the creamy egg yolk was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. I begged Mrs. Rossi to teach me how to make it, and she graciously agreed.

Mrs. Rossi took me under her wing and showed me step by step how to create the perfect meatballs with egg. She explained that the key to a successful dish lies in the quality of the ingredients and the love and care put into preparing it.

First, we started by mixing together ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mrs. Rossi emphasized the importance of using fresh herbs and seasonings to enhance the flavor of the meatballs.

Next, we formed the mixture into small balls and gently placed them in a hot skillet to brown. As the meatballs sizzled and released their savory aroma, I could hardly contain my excitement.

Once the meatballs were cooked through, Mrs. Rossi cracked a fresh egg into the skillet and carefully nestled the meatballs around it. She explained that the egg would cook gently in the residual heat, creating a velvety sauce that would coat the meatballs in a rich and creamy layer of flavor.

As we waited for the egg to set, Mrs. Rossi shared with me the story behind this recipe. She explained that it was a traditional dish passed down through generations in her family. Each cook added their own personal touch to the recipe, making it a unique and cherished treasure.

When the egg was perfectly cooked, Mrs. Rossi served the meatballs with egg over a bed of spaghetti and topped them with a generous sprinkle of fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. The dish was a symphony of flavors and textures, and I savored every bite.

From that day on, I made it my mission to perfect the recipe for Meatballs with Egg. I experimented with different ingredients and techniques, adding my own twist to the classic dish. I shared it with my family and friends, who all marveled at the delicious flavors and comforting warmth of the dish.

Years passed, and I continued to make Meatballs with Egg regularly, always remembering the lessons I learned from Mrs. Rossi. I taught my children and grandchildren how to make it, passing down this treasured recipe to the next generation.

To this day, whenever I make Meatballs with Egg, I am transported back to that fateful day in Mrs. Rossi's kitchen, where I discovered a love for cooking and a passion for sharing delicious meals with the ones I love. I am grateful for the memories and the connections that this recipe has brought into my life, and I will always hold it dear to my heart.