Scottish Meat Balls

Scottish Meat Balls Recipe - Traditional Cuisine from Scotland

Region / culture: Scotland | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Scottish Meat Balls are a delicious and savory dish that combines lean ground beef with a flavorful Scottish sauce. These meatballs are perfect for a cozy dinner at home or for entertaining guests.

History

Scottish Meat Balls have been a popular dish in Scotland for many years. The combination of ground beef and a sweet and tangy Scottish sauce has been a favorite among families and friends. This recipe has been passed down through generations and continues to be enjoyed by many.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) lean ground beef
1 egg, slightly beaten
3 tbsp flour
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp freshly ground black pepper
3 tbsp minced onion
3 tbsp vegetable oil
0.33 cup chicken broth
1 x 8 oz (227 g) can crushed pineapple, drained

Scottish sauce

1.5 tbsp cornstarch
0.25 cup sugar
3 tbsp soy sauce
3 tbsp plain red wine vinegar
2 tbsp water
0.25 cup scotch whisky
0.33 cup chicken broth
0.5 cup diced green pepper

How to prepare

Combine the first six ingredients.
Gently shape the mixture into balls about 1 inch in diameter.
If you have a melon baller, it will help standardize the size of the balls.
Brown the balls all over in oil in a 10-inch frying pan.
Remove the balls from the pan and drain them on paper towels.
Drain the pan, retaining about 1 tbsp of oil.
Add the broth and drained pineapple to the pan.
Simmer for 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, make the following Scottish sauce.

Scottish sauce

Combine all ingredients except green pepper and mix until smooth.
Stir the mixture into the skillet with the pineapple mixture and cook until the sauce has thickened.
Add the meatballs and green pepper.
Cook gently for about 10 minutes more.
Serve with rice.

Variations

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef for a lighter option.
Add diced carrots or celery to the Scottish sauce for extra vegetables.
Use a different type of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar, for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to gently shape the meat mixture into balls to ensure they hold together while cooking.

- Using a melon baller can help create evenly sized meatballs.

- Browning the meatballs before adding them to the sauce adds extra flavor.

- Simmering the meatballs in the Scottish sauce allows the flavors to meld together for a delicious final dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Scottish Meat Balls over rice for a complete meal. Add a side of steamed vegetables for added nutrition.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the meatballs before adding them to the sauce helps seal in the juices and adds flavor.

- Simmering the meatballs in the sauce allows them to absorb the flavors of the sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ground pork or lamb instead of ground beef for a different flavor.

- Substitute gluten-free flour for the flour in the meatball mixture for a gluten-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meatballs and Scottish sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Simply reheat and serve when ready.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Scottish Meat Balls in a shallow bowl over a bed of rice, garnished with chopped parsley for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Scottish Meat Balls with a glass of red wine or a Scottish ale for a delicious meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers 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 Scottish Meat Balls contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Scottish Meat Balls contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Scottish Meat Balls contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Scottish Meat Balls contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Scottish Meat Balls are a good source of iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and wheat allergens.

Summary

Scottish Meat Balls are a balanced meal with a good mix of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. They are a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner.

Summary

Scottish Meat Balls are a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home. With a delicious Scottish sauce and tender meatballs, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one I won't soon forget. It was a crisp autumn day, the leaves were falling and the air was filled with the scent of bonfires. I was browsing through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother, searching for inspiration for a new dish to try.

As I turned the yellowed pages, a small slip of paper fell out onto the kitchen table. It was a handwritten recipe for Scottish Meat Balls, written in a delicate script that was almost too faded to read. I could hardly contain my excitement as I studied the ingredients and instructions, feeling like I had stumbled upon a hidden treasure.

I had always been drawn to Scottish cuisine, with its hearty and comforting flavors. The thought of tender meatballs simmered in a rich gravy made my mouth water, and I knew I had to try making them for myself.

I set to work gathering the necessary ingredients, carefully measuring out the breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, and ground beef. I mixed them together with just the right amount of salt, pepper, and spices, feeling a sense of satisfaction as the mixture came together in my hands.

As I shaped the meat into small balls and placed them in a hot skillet, the kitchen filled with the enticing aroma of sizzling meat. I turned them carefully, browning them on all sides before transferring them to a pot to simmer in a savory sauce.

The sauce was a blend of diced tomatoes, beef broth, and a splash of whisky for an extra kick. I let the meatballs cook slowly, allowing the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender and juicy.

When the meatballs were finally ready, I spooned them onto a plate and garnished them with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. I couldn't wait to taste the fruits of my labor, and as I took my first bite, I was transported to a cozy kitchen in the highlands of Scotland.

The meatballs were everything I had hoped for and more – tender, flavorful, and comforting. The sauce had a rich depth of flavor, with a hint of smokiness from the whisky that added a unique twist to the dish.

I savored each bite, feeling a sense of pride in my ability to recreate a traditional Scottish recipe with such success. It was a dish that spoke to my heritage and connected me to my ancestors in a way that only food can.

From that moment on, Scottish Meat Balls became a staple in my repertoire, a dish that I would make for special occasions and family gatherings. Each time I cooked them, I would think back to that autumn day when I had stumbled upon the recipe and felt a sense of gratitude for the culinary traditions that had been passed down through generations.

And so, the story of how I learned to make Scottish Meat Balls became a cherished memory, a tale of discovery and connection that I would always hold dear. It was a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and keep traditions alive, a lesson that I would carry with me for the rest of my days.