Breaded meatballs

Captivating Recipe: Delicious Meatballs with Garlic and Parsley

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Welcome to the flavorful world of meatballs! This classic dish has been loved for generations and is perfect for any occasion, whether you are serving it for dinner or preparing a platter for a party. Meatballs are the embodiment of versatility, as they can be served as a main dish or as an appetizer. Today, I will present you with a simple and quick recipe that combines ground meat with the enticing flavors of garlic and parsley.

Before we start cooking, let's discuss our ingredients.

Ingredients:
- 450 g ground meat (a mix of beef and pork for a rich flavor)
- 5 cloves of garlic (fresh for an intense taste)
- 2 slices of bread (preferably whole grain or seeded for added texture)
- 2 eggs (one for the meatball mixture and one for breading)
- Fresh chopped parsley (about a handful)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Breadcrumbs (for a crispy crust)
- Oil (for frying, preferably sunflower or olive oil)

Preparation Technique:
1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by finely chopping the parsley and peeling the garlic. Then, soak the two slices of bread in water. This will add moisture to the meatballs and make them fluffier. After they have soaked, squeeze them well.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the ground meat. Add the crushed garlic, squeezed bread, one of the eggs, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix the ingredients until you achieve a homogeneous composition. It’s important not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.

3. Forming the meatballs: From the mixture obtained, form balls the size of golf balls. You can make them smaller or larger, depending on your preferences.

4. Breading the meatballs: Here comes the secret to achieving golden and crispy meatballs! Roll each ball in breadcrumbs, then dip it in the beaten egg (as for an omelet). This step will ensure a delicious crust.

5. Frying: In a pan, add the oil and let it heat well. Then, add the meatballs and fry them over medium to high heat until they are golden on all sides. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan for even frying.

6. Draining excess oil: Once fried, remove the meatballs onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

Practical Tips:
- Choosing the meat: The mix of beef and pork is perfect for a balanced taste. You can use only pork or beef, but the mix provides extra juiciness.
- Seasonings: Depending on your preferences, you can add other spices or herbs, such as oregano or basil, for a more complex flavor.
- Variations: You can add grated vegetables, such as carrots or zucchini, to make the meatballs healthier. Also, for a lower-calorie option, you can bake the meatballs instead of frying them.
- Serving: These meatballs are delicious alongside a garlic yogurt sauce or fresh tomato sauce. You can serve them with mashed potatoes or a green salad for a balanced meal.

Nutritional Benefits:
Meatballs are an excellent source of protein due to the meat, and garlic brings benefits for the immune system. Parsley is rich in vitamins and minerals, adding extra nutrients to the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use ground chicken? Yes, you can use chicken meat, but make sure to adjust the seasonings, as chicken has a milder flavor.
- How can I store leftover meatballs? You can keep the meatballs in the fridge in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or in a pan.
- Can I freeze the meatballs? Yes, it's a great idea! You can freeze the raw or cooked meatballs. Make sure to wrap them well to avoid freezer burn.

In conclusion, meatballs are a versatile, easy-to-make dish full of flavors. Regardless of the occasion, these garlic and parsley meatballs will surely impress everyone. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to enjoy every bite!