Chicken meatballs with mushrooms

Captivating Chicken Breast and Mushroom Meatballs Recipe

Welcome to the world of delicious chicken breast and mushroom meatballs! This simple and quick recipe is sure to become one of your favorites. The meatballs are a perfect choice for a family dinner or a quick lunch, but they can also steal the show at a festive meal. With a juicy texture and an enticing aroma, these meatballs are an excellent way to bring a healthy and tasty dish to the table.

The history of meatballs is fascinating. Over time, people have created various versions of meatballs using the ingredients available in their region. This modern recipe, featuring chicken breast and mushrooms, reflects the adaptability and creativity of contemporary cuisine. Let’s begin our culinary journey!

Total preparation time: 40 minutes
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 500 g chicken breast (skinless and boneless)
- 10 mushrooms (preferably champignon, but other types can also be used)
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 3 tablespoons of flour
- 1-2 tablespoons of spices (salt, pepper, paprika, herbs of your choice)
- Oil for frying (preferably sunflower or olive oil)
- 500 g potatoes (for mashed potatoes)
- 1 small celery (optional, for salad)
- 1 carrot (optional, for salad)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by trimming any fat or skin from the chicken breast. Cut it into smaller pieces for easier processing. Clean the mushrooms and slice them. If you prefer a finer texture, you can chop them finely.

2. Grinding the ingredients:
Use a food processor to grind the chicken breast and mushrooms. Place them in the bowl of the processor and process until you achieve a homogeneous mixture, but not too fine. This will ensure that the meatballs have a pleasant texture.

3. Preparing the mixture:
Transfer the chicken and mushroom mixture to a large bowl. Add the egg, finely chopped (or pressed) garlic cloves, flour, and spices. Mix well with a spatula or your hands (make sure your hands are clean). The mixture should be slightly sticky and easy to shape. If it’s too soft, add a little more flour.

4. Forming the meatballs:
Wet your hands with water to prevent the mixture from sticking. Shape the meatballs to your desired size (usually, a walnut size is ideal). You can make them a bit flatter if you prefer a crunchier exterior.

5. Frying the meatballs:
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs to the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd them. Fry for 4-5 minutes on each side until they become golden and crispy. It’s important not to turn them too early to avoid breaking. Remove the meatballs onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

6. Preparing the mashed potatoes:
Meanwhile, peel the potatoes and cut them into cubes. Boil them in salted water until soft (about 15-20 minutes). Drain and mash them together with butter and milk (to taste) until you achieve a creamy mash.

7. Preparing the celery and carrot salad:
Clean the celery and carrot, then cut them into thin strips or grate them. Mix them in a bowl and add a little mayonnaise or yogurt, salt, and pepper to taste.

Serving suggestions:
The meatballs are served warm, alongside the mashed potatoes and celery and carrot salad. You can also add a spoonful of tomato sauce or a fresh green salad for extra flavor. A recommended drink to accompany this meal would be a glass of fresh orange juice or a refreshing lemonade.

Useful tips:
- If you want to experiment, you can add fresh herbs to the meatball mixture, such as parsley or dill.
- The meatballs can be prepared a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve them, you can fry or bake them in the oven for a healthier option.
- These meatballs can be very versatile. You can replace the chicken breast with turkey meat or a vegetarian option using vegetables or tofu.

Nutritional values (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 350
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fat: 10 g

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use canned mushrooms?
It is recommended to use fresh mushrooms for better texture, but if you don’t have any on hand, canned mushrooms can be used.

2. How can I make the meatballs less greasy?
You can bake the meatballs in the oven at 180°C for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time.

3. Can the meatballs be frozen?
Yes, raw meatballs can be frozen. Place them on a tray and freeze, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you want to use them, fry them directly from the freezer.

I hope you enjoyed this chicken breast and mushroom meatball recipe! It is a simple yet flavorful recipe that will surely delight your family and friends. Enjoy your meal!