Meatballs with surprises

Surprise Meatballs - The Delight That Will Enchant Your Taste Buds

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 (approximately 12 meatballs)

Do you remember the moments from your childhood when you eagerly awaited a pleasant surprise from mom? These surprise meatballs are exactly that kind of joy! Combining chicken meat with grated potatoes, aromatic garlic, and a surprising filling of cream cheese with corn, these meatballs become an explosion of flavors and textures.

The history of meatballs is an ancient one, being an integral part of many culinary cultures. Whether fried, baked, or boiled, meatballs have always been an ingenious way to use leftover meat and vegetables. Today, we will add a modern and delicious twist to these delights!

Ingredients needed for meatballs:
- 1 chicken breast (approximately 300g)
- 1 egg
- 2 medium potatoes
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1 small onion
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Paprika (optional)
- Fresh parsley (a handful, finely chopped)

Ingredients for the filling:
- 150g cream cheese (Almette or any preferred variant)
- 100g corn kernels (canned or fresh, cooked)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Dill (optional, finely chopped)

For finishing:
- Breadcrumbs (for coating)

Step by step, how to prepare these surprise meatballs:

1. Preparing the Potatoes:
To start, grate the potatoes on a fine grater. It is important to drain the juice from the potatoes well to avoid the meatballs becoming too wet. Place the grated potato in a sieve and let it drain for a few minutes. This step is essential for achieving the perfect texture.

2. Preparing the Meatball Mixture:
In a large bowl, finely chop the chicken breast. You can use a food processor to achieve a fine texture. Add the grated potatoes, egg, crushed garlic, and finely chopped onion. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and fresh parsley. Mix all the ingredients well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.

3. Creating the Filling:
In a separate bowl, add the cream cheese and season it with salt and pepper to taste. Incorporate the corn kernels and, if you like, add the chopped dill. Mix everything well until you have a consistent filling.

4. Forming the Meatballs:
Wet your hands to prevent the mixture from sticking. Take a portion of the meatball mixture, shape it into a ball, flatten it slightly, and add a teaspoon of the cream cheese filling in the center. Gather the edges and reshape it into a ball, ensuring the filling is well sealed inside.

5. Coating in Breadcrumbs:
Roll each meatball in breadcrumbs, ensuring it is well covered. This step will give a crispy crust when baked.

6. Baking the Meatballs:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. You can arrange the meatballs on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or use muffin tins for a more elegant presentation. Bake the meatballs for 25 minutes or until they turn golden and crispy.

7. Serving:
The meatballs are served hot, alongside a fresh salad or a yogurt garlic dip. You can also add a few lemon slices for a pleasant contrast.

Useful tips:
- You can experiment with the filling by adding olives, red peppers, or feta cheese for a Mediterranean touch.
- If you prefer a healthier version, you can bake the meatballs, but frying them in oil will give a crispier texture.
- The meatballs can be stored in the fridge and consumed the next day, but I recommend reheating them slightly in the oven to restore the crispy texture.

Nutritional benefits:
These meatballs are rich in protein due to the chicken breast and provide carbohydrates from the potatoes, making them ideal for a hearty meal. The corn adds fiber and vitamins, while the cream cheese is a good source of calcium.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use pork or beef instead of chicken? Of course! These meatballs are versatile and can be adapted to your preferences.
- How can I make these meatballs spicier? Add a bit of ground chili pepper to the meatball mixture or the filling.

These surprise meatballs are a perfect choice for a family dinner or a party with friends. They are delicious and easy to prepare, and each bite will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!