Meatballs with carrots and cheese

Carrot and Cheese Meatballs: A Tasty Delight

Who doesn't love meatballs? These little delights, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, are perfectly adaptable and can be made from a variety of ingredients. Today, I will teach you how to prepare carrot and cheese meatballs, a simple and delicious recipe that will not only add a splash of color to your plate but also enrich your meals with essential nutrients. Carrots, the star vegetable, are rich in vitamins and minerals, while cheese adds an unmistakable creaminess.

Total preparation time: 40 minutes
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:
- 300 g fresh carrots
- 1 small onion
- 2 eggs
- 50 ml milk
- 7 tablespoons flour
- 100 g sheep cheese (or feta cheese for a saltier variant)
- salt and white pepper (to taste)
- curry (to taste)
- oil for frying

For the cold sauce:
- 200 g tomato juice
- 1 teaspoon hot paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon curry

Step by step preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Peel the carrots and cut them into smaller pieces for easier grating. Also, peel the onion. Using a large grater, grate the carrots and onion. This technique will help achieve a homogeneous texture in the meatball mixture and allow the vegetables to blend quickly.

2. Preparing the mixture: In a large bowl, beat the eggs with a whisk or fork until frothy. Add the milk and continue mixing to combine the ingredients. Then, gradually add the flour, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. The mixture should be homogeneous and slightly viscous.

3. Adding the vegetables: To the egg and flour mixture, add the grated carrots and onion. Mix well to incorporate the vegetables. Then, add the grated cheese (sheep cheese or feta) and season with salt, pepper, and curry to taste. The curry will give the meatballs an exotic flavor, but feel free to adjust the amounts according to personal preferences.

4. Frying the meatballs: In a deep pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Using a spoon, take portions of the meatball mixture and form balls or squares, depending on your preference. Carefully place them in the pan, making sure not to overlap them. Fry on each side for 3-4 minutes or until golden and crispy. Don't forget to flip them with a spatula for even browning.

5. Preparing the sauce: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix the tomato juice with hot paprika and curry. This will add a refreshing and spicy contrast to the warm meatballs.

6. Serving: Once the meatballs are ready, remove them to a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Serve them warm alongside the spicy tomato sauce and a fresh green salad for a complete and balanced meal.

Tips and useful advice:
- If you want a healthier version, try baking the meatballs in the oven at 180°C for 25-30 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time.
- These meatballs can be frozen. Cook them, let them cool completely, then store them in freezer bags. When you want to consume them, you can fry them directly from the freezer or bake them.
- Experiment with different types of cheese or add herbs like parsley or dill to vary the flavor.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen carrots? Ideally, you should use fresh carrots, but if you have frozen carrots, make sure to thaw and drain them well before use.
- What other vegetables can I add to the mixture? Finely chopped green beans, zucchini, or spinach are excellent additions that provide variety and extra nutrients.

Delicious combinations: These meatballs are excellent served with a side of mashed potatoes, a cabbage salad, or even with pita bread and tahini sauce. They also pair perfectly with fresh lemonade or a dry white wine, which will balance the intense flavors of the curry.

Carrot and cheese meatballs are not only a healthy choice but also filling and versatile. Whether you're preparing them for a quick family dinner or for a gathering with friends, I’m sure they will be appreciated by everyone. Enjoy them with pleasure and don't forget to share this recipe with your loved ones!