Bread dumplings

Delicious Bread Crust Meatballs

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Sometimes, the most delicious dishes are born out of a need to make use of leftover ingredients. These bread crust meatballs are not only an ingenious solution to avoid food waste but also a tasty snack that will delight the whole family. Let’s transform stale bread into a flavorful delicacy!

A Brief History of Meatballs

Meatballs have a long history in global cuisine, being a popular dish due to their versatility. Regardless of the ingredients used, these delicious balls were created to utilize any type of meat or vegetables available. The vision of making them from bread is a testament to culinary creativity, demonstrating that nothing should go to waste.

Necessary Ingredients

- 400 g bread (preferably baguette or rustic bread)
- 250 ml milk
- 2 eggs
- 100 g grated cheese (preferably aged cheese)
- 5 cloves of garlic (crushed)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Paprika (sweet or hot, according to preference)
- Oil for frying (preferably sunflower or olive oil)

Detailed Preparation Process

1. Preparing the bread:
Start by cutting the bread into small pieces, about 2-3 cm. These will absorb the milk more easily. If the bread is very dry, feel free to let it sit for a few hours to achieve a crunchier texture.

2. Soaking the bread:
Place the bread pieces in a large bowl and pour warm milk over them. Let them sit for 5-10 minutes until the bread absorbs all the milk and becomes soft. This step is essential for fluffy meatballs.

3. Grinding the bread:
Once the bread has soaked, use a meat grinder or a blender to turn the mixture into a smooth paste. If you don’t have these appliances, you can also use a fork, but it will require more effort.

4. Adding the ingredients:
To the bread paste, add the eggs, grated cheese, crushed garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix all the ingredients well with damp hands until you achieve a homogeneous mixture. It’s important not to overdo the salt, considering the cheese can also be salty.

5. Forming the meatballs:
From the obtained mixture, form meatballs the size of golf balls. Make sure they are well compacted so they don’t fall apart during frying.

6. Frying the meatballs:
In a deep pan, heat enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan. When the oil is hot (you can check by putting a small piece of dough – if it sizzles, it’s ready), carefully add the meatballs. Fry them over medium heat for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.

7. Draining excess oil:
Once ready, remove the meatballs onto a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

8. Serving:
These meatballs are delicious served warm, alongside a fresh salad or with your favorite sauces. Personally, I recommend a tzatziki sauce, but a spicy ketchup can also be a great choice, just as I did.

Tips and Variations

- Add herbs: You can enrich the meatballs with fresh herbs like parsley or dill, which will add extra flavor.
- Food care: If you want to make them even healthier, you can bake the meatballs in the oven. Use a tray lined with baking paper, lightly brush them with oil, and bake at 180°C for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through.
- Cheese variations: Replace the cheese with feta for a more intense flavor or add chopped olives for a Mediterranean taste.

Nutritional Benefits

Bread meatballs are an excellent source of carbohydrates, providing long-lasting energy. Added garlic is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, while cheese provides protein and calcium.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of bread?
Absolutely! You can use any type of leftover bread, from white bread to whole grain, and the result will be delicious.

2. Can the meatballs be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the meatballs after they have completely cooled. Place them in airtight containers. When you want to consume them, thaw them at room temperature and fry or bake them again.

3. What sauces can I use?
Feel free to experiment! Yogurt sauces, tomato sauces, or those based on mayonnaise with herbs are all excellent.

These bread meatballs are not only a delicious solution for recycling food but also a wonderful way to gather the family around the table for moments filled with joy and flavor. So let’s get cooking!