Meatballs

Spicy Meatball Recipe with Vegetables

When it comes to comfort food, meatballs are a true favorite for many. These little delights, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, are perfect for a quick dinner, but also for serving as an appetizer on various occasions. In this recipe, we will learn how to make delicious meatballs using ground meat, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 4 (approximately 20 meatballs)

Ingredients:
- 900 g ground meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
- 1 medium potato
- 1 large carrot
- 1 small head of garlic (approximately 4-5 cloves)
- 1 egg
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Meatball spices (optional: sweet paprika, cumin, oregano)
- Fresh dill, chopped (to taste)
- Oil for frying (sunflower or olive)
- Flour (for coating the meatballs)

Detailed preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling the potato, carrot, and garlic. These vegetables will add not only flavor but also moisture to the meatballs.

2. Grating: Grate the potato and carrot using a fine grater. This step is essential as the grated vegetables will integrate better into the mixture and help maintain the juiciness of the meatballs. Once done, place the vegetables in a separate bowl and let them sit for a few minutes to release their juices.

3. Draining the vegetables: Use a sieve or a piece of cheesecloth to drain the excess water from the potato and carrot. It is important not to have too much liquid in the mixture; otherwise, the meatballs will not hold their shape.

4. Crushing the garlic: In a mortar or using a garlic press, crush the garlic until it becomes a fine paste. Fresh garlic will give an intense and aromatic flavor to your meatballs.

5. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the ground meat, drained vegetables, crushed garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and any chosen spices. If you like dill, add it at the end. Use your hands to mix everything, ensuring that the ingredients are well integrated.

6. Forming the meatballs: With wet hands, form balls about 3-4 cm in diameter. Roll each ball in flour to achieve a crispy crust when frying. This detail will make the difference between a good meatball and an excellent one.

7. Frying: In a deep skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Check the temperature by adding a small piece of dough; if it sizzles, it is ready. Fry the meatballs in batches, without overcrowding the pan, for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.

8. Draining the oil: Once the meatballs are ready, remove them onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil. This will help keep the meatballs healthier and less heavy.

Serving and variations:
Spicy meatballs are delicious served hot, alongside a fresh salad or a garlic yogurt sauce. They can also be used in sandwiches or as appetizers at a party. Another delicious variation is to serve them with a tomato sauce or a side of mashed potatoes.

Useful tips:
- You can experiment with different types of ground meat (chicken, turkey, or even vegan meat) for a healthier option.
- Add grated cheese to the mixture for an extra flavor boost.
- Meatballs can be frozen, so you can prepare a larger batch and keep them for times when you don’t have time to cook.

Nutritional benefits:
These meatballs provide an excellent source of protein from the meat and fiber from the vegetables. The potato and carrot provide healthy carbohydrates, and garlic is known for its antioxidant and antibacterial properties.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen vegetables? It is recommended to use fresh vegetables for better flavor, but you can adapt the recipe with frozen vegetables, ensuring to drain them well before adding.
- What type of meat is best? Ideally, you should use beef or pork, but you can experiment with other types of meat according to your preferences.

Meatballs are more than just a simple dish; they evoke family memories, shared meals, and moments of joy. So, let your imagination run wild and indulge in the flavor of this classic dish! Enjoy your meal!