Meatballs with ham and olives

Ham and olive meatballs – A surprising delicacy

Welcome to the fascinating world of cooking, where every ingredient has a story to tell! Today, we will explore together a delicious and unique recipe: ham and olive meatballs. These meatballs are perfect for a quick dinner but also to impress guests at a party. Let’s begin our culinary journey!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 (approximately 16 meatballs)

A bit of history

Meatballs, in their various forms, have been made for thousands of years around the world, being an excellent way to use leftover meat. By combining minced meat with various ingredients, they have evolved into different versions, each with its own specifics. Today, we will bring to life a less common, yet extremely tasty version, using ham and olives, which add extra flavor and texture.

Ingredients

- 500 g minced chicken (or other meat, according to preference)
- 300 g chicken ham, finely chopped
- 1 large onion (preferably red for a sweeter taste)
- 6-7 cloves of garlic
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 tablespoons breadcrumbs (plus extra breadcrumbs for the outer crust)
- Oil for frying
- Fresh parsley and dill for garnish (optional)
- Pitted green or black olives (pieces or halves, depending on size)

Ingredient details

- Minced meat: This is the base of our meatballs. Choose fresh, lean chicken to create a healthy and juicy dish.
- Ham: This adds a savory taste and interesting texture. Opt for lean ham from the same type of meat as the minced meat to maintain flavor harmony.
- Olives: These are the hidden stars of the recipe. Choose quality, pitted olives that are not overly salty to avoid altering the overall taste of the meatballs.
- Onion and garlic: These two ingredients are essential for adding depth and flavor. Red onion, due to its sweetness, will make the dish even tastier.
- Breadcrumbs: This will help bind the ingredients and provide a crispy crust to the meatballs. You can use whole grain breadcrumbs for a healthier option.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by cleaning and washing the onion and garlic. Chop them finely. If you don’t have a good knife, a grater or food processor can be helpful.

2. Mixing the composition:
In a large bowl, add the minced meat, finely chopped ham, chopped onion and garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and the 4 tablespoons of breadcrumbs. Mix well with your hands (don’t forget to wash your hands first) until the ingredients are evenly distributed.

3. Forming the meatballs:
Rub a little oil on your palms (to prevent sticking) and take a portion of the mixture. Form a ball and, using your thumb, make a dent in the middle. Place an olive (or half, if it’s too big) in the center of the meatball and cover with meat, forming a perfect ball.

4. Coating in breadcrumbs:
Roll each meatball in extra breadcrumbs, ensuring it is well coated. This step will ensure a crispy and appetizing crust.

5. Frying:
Heat a deep skillet with oil. When the oil is hot (you can check by throwing in a crumb of breadcrumb and seeing if it sizzles), carefully add the meatballs. Fry them until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes on each side.

6. Draining excess oil:
Once the meatballs are fried, remove them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Serving suggestions

Ham and olive meatballs can be served warm, alongside pickles, mustard, and a few extra olives to add a touch of freshness. A summer salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion would perfectly complement this dish.

Interesting variations

- Cheese meatballs: Add some cubes of feta or mozzarella cheese inside for a delicious surprise.
- Spicy meatballs: Try adding some chili flakes to the meat mixture for a spicier taste.
- Oven-baked meatballs: If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the meatballs in the oven at 200°C for 20-25 minutes until golden.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use pork or beef?
Of course! This recipe is versatile, and pork or beef will provide a different but equally delicious taste.

2. What can I do if I don’t have breadcrumbs?
You can use crushed oats or even finely ground breakfast cereals. These will make the meatballs healthier.

3. Can the meatballs be frozen?
Absolutely! Prepare the meatballs, let them cool, then freeze them in an airtight container. When you want to serve them, you can fry them directly from the freezer.

Nutritional benefits

Ham and olive meatballs are not only delicious but also nutritious. Chicken meat is an excellent source of lean protein, and olives provide healthy fats rich in antioxidants. Adding onion and garlic not only enhances flavor but also brings benefits to the immune system.

Calories

Approximately, a serving of 4 meatballs contains about 350-400 calories, depending on the type of meat used and the amount of oil for frying. The important thing is to enjoy them as part of a balanced diet!

I hope this recipe inspires you to experiment in the kitchen. Ham and olive meatballs are a dish that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Try them and don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends! Enjoy your meal!