Seasoned Meat Balls
Seasoned Meat Balls Recipe from Haiti - Beef, Bacon, Eggs, Salt
Introduction
Seasoned meatballs are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or as an appetizer. These savory meatballs are made with a combination of ground beef and pork, seasoned with garlic, salt, pepper, cayenne, and eggs. They are then coated in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs before being fried to a golden brown and baked in a flavorful tomato sauce. Serve these meatballs hot with rice for a satisfying meal.
History
Meatballs have a long history and are a popular dish in many cultures around the world. The exact origins of seasoned meatballs are unclear, but they are believed to have originated in Italy, where they are known as "polpette." Meatballs are a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of meats and seasonings, making them a favorite in many households.
Ingredients
How to prepare
- Mix 1 lb (454 g) of ground Beef with 0.5 lb of ground Bacon or Pork.
- Season to taste with salt, pepper, Cayenne, and crushed garlic. Add 3 beaten eggs.
- After chilling for at least one hour, shape the mixture into egg-size balls.
- Roll the balls in flour, then in beaten egg, and finally in bread crumbs.
- Deep fry or pan fry the balls until they turn golden. Drain them.
- Arrange the balls in a shallow oven dish and add tomato sauce.
- Heat them thoroughly in a medium oven.
- Serve the dish very hot, with rice.
Variations
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork for a lighter version of seasoned meatballs.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese to the meat mixture for extra flavor.
- Serve the meatballs with spaghetti and marinara sauce for a classic Italian dish.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to season the meat mixture well with salt, pepper, cayenne, and garlic for maximum flavor.
- Chilling the meat mixture for at least one hour will help the flavors meld together and make it easier to shape into balls.
- Coating the meatballs in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs before frying will give them a crispy exterior.
- Be sure to drain the fried meatballs on paper towels to remove excess oil before baking them in the tomato sauce.
- Serve the meatballs hot with rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve seasoned meatballs hot with rice and a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Cooking Techniques
Deep fry or pan fry the meatballs until they are golden brown before baking them in the tomato sauce.
- Be sure to heat the meatballs thoroughly in the oven before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of seasoned meatballs.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the meat mixture and shape the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to fry and bake.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the seasoned meatballs on a platter with toothpicks for a party appetizer. - Garnish the meatballs with chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Pairing Recommendations
Serve seasoned meatballs with a side of rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
- Pair the meatballs with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover seasoned meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat the meatballs in the oven or microwave until heated through before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of seasoned meatballs contains approximately 300 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of seasoned meatballs contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of seasoned meatballs contains approximately 20 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of seasoned meatballs contains approximately 25 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Seasoned meatballs are a good source of iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.
Alergens
Seasoned meatballs contain eggs and wheat (from the breadcrumbs), which may be allergens for some individuals.
Summary
Seasoned meatballs are a flavorful and protein-rich dish that is relatively high in fat and calories. They are a good source of iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, but may not be suitable for individuals with egg or wheat allergies.
Summary
Seasoned meatballs are a delicious and versatile dish that is easy to make and perfect for a family meal or party appetizer. These savory meatballs are made with a combination of ground beef and pork, seasoned with garlic, salt, pepper, cayenne, and eggs, and coated in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs before being fried and baked in a flavorful tomato sauce. Serve these meatballs hot with rice for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
How did I get this recipe?
The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. It was a warm summer day, and I had been invited to a potluck dinner at a friend's house. As I walked into the kitchen, I caught a whiff of something delicious simmering on the stove. My friend's grandmother was busy rolling meatballs in her hands, her apron stained with various spices and sauces.
Curious, I asked her what she was making, and she smiled warmly and told me it was her famous seasoned meatballs. She explained that the recipe had been passed down through generations in her family, and she was happy to share it with me. I watched intently as she mixed together ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, and a secret blend of spices. She shaped the mixture into perfect little balls and dropped them into a bubbling pot of tomato sauce.
As the meatballs cooked, the aroma filled the kitchen with a tantalizing scent that made my mouth water. I couldn't wait to taste them. When they were finally done, my friend's grandmother served them over a bed of spaghetti, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. With my first bite, I knew I had to learn how to make these meatballs myself.
Over the years, I sought out every opportunity to learn more about cooking and different recipes. I collected cookbooks, attended cooking classes, and experimented in my own kitchen. But it was the seasoned meatballs that always held a special place in my heart. Whenever I made them, the memories of that warm summer day in my friend's kitchen flooded back to me.
I continued to perfect the recipe, tweaking the spices and adjusting the proportions to suit my own taste. Each time I made the meatballs, I added a little bit of myself to the dish, making it truly my own. And as I shared the recipe with friends and family, it became a signature dish that everyone looked forward to.
One day, I was at a farmer's market when I met an elderly Italian woman selling fresh herbs and spices. We struck up a conversation, and I mentioned my love for cooking and the seasoned meatballs recipe that had become my favorite. Her eyes lit up, and she told me that she had a secret ingredient that would take my meatballs to the next level.
She handed me a small jar of a special blend of herbs and spices, a family recipe that had been passed down through generations. She told me to use it sparingly, as it was powerful stuff. I thanked her profusely and hurried home to try it out.
The next time I made the seasoned meatballs, I added a pinch of the secret spice blend to the mix. As the meatballs cooked, the aroma that filled my kitchen was unlike anything I had ever experienced before. When I served them to my family that night, their eyes widened in surprise at the burst of flavor in each bite. They declared that these were the best meatballs I had ever made.
From that day on, I always added a touch of the secret spice blend to my seasoned meatballs. It was my little twist on an already delicious recipe, a way of honoring the culinary traditions that had been passed down to me. And as I shared the recipe with others, I made sure to pass on the secret ingredient, so that they too could experience the magic it brought to the dish.
As I sit here now, reminiscing about all the memories I have tied to the seasoned meatballs recipe, I can't help but feel grateful for the people who have shared their knowledge and passion for cooking with me. Each recipe I have learned has a story behind it, a connection to someone or something that has enriched my life in ways I never could have imagined.
And so, I continue to cook, to experiment, and to share my love for food with those around me. The seasoned meatballs will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joys of cooking and the power of a good recipe. And as long as I have a stove and a kitchen to work in, I will always be on the lookout for new recipes to try, new flavors to explore, and new memories to create.
Categories
| Bacon Recipes | Beef Recipes | Haitian Meat Dishes | Haitian Recipes | Pork Recipes | Rice Recipes |