Italian Meatballs Recipe
Cowbridge Kitchen
About This Recipe
If you are looking for a recipe to make Meatballs then give this a go. There are lots of recipes for Italian Meatballs on the internet but not many in a Marinara sauce.
This meatball recipe shows you how to make the most delicious , juicy meatballs ever by making a Panada, which is the secret to these meatballs juicy texture.
The perfect texture comes from the combination of minced Beef and minced Pork.
I like to serve these meatballs with tagliatelle or spaghetti
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The origins of the meatball can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where the practice of combining ground meat with various ingredients was a common method of utilizing leftover scraps and enhancing flavour.
Historical records suggest that the earliest forms of meatballs appeared in Roman cuisine, where they were often mixed with spices, herbs, and grains to create a hearty dish that could feed many.
As trade routes expanded and cultures intermingled, the concept of the meatball evolved, adapting to local tastes and available ingredients. In Italy, for instance, the meatball became a staple of the culinary tradition, often made with a blend of beef, pork, and veal, seasoned with garlic, parsley, and cheese, and served with rich tomato sauce.
Meanwhile, in Middle Eastern cuisine, meatballs known as kofta emerged, incorporating spices like cumin and coriander, and were typically grilled or simmered in savory sauces.
This culinary evolution reflects not only the adaptability of the meatball but also its ability to bring people together, transcending geographical boundaries and cultural differences, making it a beloved dish worldwide.
30 mins Prep time
25 mins Cooking time
Time
This is based on 6 meatballs
per serving
Calories: 250
Protein: 13g
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 1g
Nutrition
Servings
Anybody can have a go at this recipe, but you do need some cooking skils.
A novice would find this difficult
Difficulty
You can probably buy these ready made cheaper, but these homemade meatballs taste much better.
Cost to make:
£8,00 / $10.13(Est.)
Equipment:
Shop...
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What is a Meatball
A meatball is a savory dish typically made from ground meat, which can include beef, pork, chicken, or turkey, combined with various ingredients such as breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings to enhance flavour and texture.
These ingredients are mixed together and shaped into small, round balls before being cooked, often by baking, frying, or simmering in sauce.
Meatballs are a versatile culinary creation, appearing in numerous cuisines around the world, from the classic Italian spaghetti and meatballs to Swedish meatballs served with creamy gravy. The preparation methods and accompanying sauces can vary widely, allowing for a rich diversity of flavors and styles, making meatballs a beloved comfort food for many.
Whether served as an appetizer, main course, or even in a sub sandwich, meatballs continue to be a popular choice for gatherings and family meals.
Cuisine:Italian
ingredients
450 g Minced Beef
300 g Pork Sausage Meat
75 g Fresh Breadcrumbs
100 ml Milk
1 Brown Onion
1 tsp Chopped Garlic
1 Small Egg
75 g Grated Parmesan
1tsp Oregano
1/4 tsp Black Pepper
2 tbs Extra Virgin Oil
For the Sauce
2 tins of Chopped Tomatoes
1 Brown Onion
1 tsp Chopped Garlic
60 ml Tomato Paste
30 ml Extra Virgin Oil
1 tsp of Dry Oregano
1/4 tsp Black Pepper
Pinch of Chilli Flakes
Cooking Instructions
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For the Meatballs
- For these meatballs you need to make a 'Panada' that is made by soaking breadcrumbs in some milk. So you need to get some fresh bread and process it in a food processor to make 75 g of fresh breadcrumbs, then add these to 100 ml of full fat milk to form a thick paste. Set this aside while you get on with the rest of the recipe.
- Dice up your onion and set aside
- Grate up the parmesan cheese
- Beat the egg in a small bowl or glass.
- Put the Mince Beef and Sausage meat in a bowl and with your hand mash it up until smooth.
- Mix in the diced onion and garlic with your hands.
- Season the mince with salt & pepper
- Then mix in the Parmesan, oregano, egg and the Panada and combine with your hands
- Divide the mixture up into approx. 1 inch balls (You should get 18 - 24 meatballs). When doing this make sure your hands are wet to stop the meat sticking to them.
- Fry the meatballs in batches to fit your pan, in some extra virgin olive oil until they are brown all over (5 - 10 mins)
- You can add the meatballs to the sauce and simmer for a further 10 - 15 mins to finish off cooking.
- Peal your onion and just slice it in half, then throw it into a thick bottom or cast iron cooking pot.
- Add the two tins of chopped tomatoes and the Extra Virgin Olive Oil and stir. Turn on the heat and start to bring it to the boil.
- Add the rest of the ingredients to the pan, Garlic, Oregano, Black Pepper & Tomato Paste.
- Mix this together with a wooden spoon.
- When the sauce is boiling reduce to a low simmer.
- You need to simmer this sauce for at least 45 minutes , the longer the better.
- When the sauce is finished remove the onion and then if you wish you can blend the sauce, I just get a potato masher in there and mash it down.
The secret to this recipe is the Panada , it keeps the meatballs moist.
