Moldovan meatballs

Delicious Moldovan Parjoale Recipe

Moldovan parjoale, these juicy and aromatic meatballs, are a symbol of the culinary tradition in the region. Whether you prepare them for a family meal or a special occasion, parjoale are always a winning choice. With a fluffy texture and exquisite taste, these delicious meatballs can be served with a variety of sides and sauces. Let's discover together how to prepare them!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients

- 800 g of beef (preferably lean)
- 1 large onion
- 2 slices of bread (preferably old bread)
- 1 carrot
- 1 potato
- 1 egg (or 1 tablespoon of flour for an egg-free version)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon of fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1 large head of garlic
- Breadcrumbs for coating
- Oil for frying

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by choosing the beef. Opt for lean meat, as it will give the parjoale a better texture. Begin by cutting the meat into cubes and setting it aside.

2. The onion
Peel and finely chop the onion. In a pan, add a little water and sauté the onion over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent. This will add a sweet and delicious flavor to your parjoale.

3. Grating the vegetables
Peel the carrot and potato. Use a large grater to grate them. These vegetables will contribute to the moisture and juiciness of the parjoale.

4. The meat mixture
In a large bowl, combine the minced meat with the sautéed onion, grated carrot, and potato. It is essential that this mixture is well homogenized. Therefore, if you have a food processor, you can use it to turn the ingredients into a fine paste.

5. Adding wet ingredients
Soak the slices of bread in water and squeeze them well, then add them to the meat mixture. This trick will make the parjoale extremely fluffy. Add the egg (or flour, if you prefer) and season with salt, thyme, chopped parsley, and crushed garlic. Mix well with a wooden spoon until you achieve a uniform composition.

6. Shaping the parjoale
Sprinkle breadcrumbs on a wooden board or plate. Take a spoonful of the meat mixture and shape it into a round or elongated meatball. Roll each parjoale in breadcrumbs, ensuring they are well coated.

7. Frying
In a deep pan, heat the oil. When the oil is hot, carefully add the parjoale, being careful not to overcrowd them. Fry them on both sides until golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes on each side.

8. Keeping warm
After they are fried, you can keep them warm covered on a dish with hot water, to maintain the temperature until serving.

Serving and combinations

Moldovan parjoale are usually served with various sides: mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or fresh salads. A serving of sour cream or a garlic yogurt sauce can perfectly complement this dish.

Useful tips

- Vary the meat: If you wish, you can combine beef with pork or lamb to add a different flavor.
- The oil: Use sunflower oil or olive oil, but make sure the oil is well heated before adding the parjoale to achieve a crispy crust.
- Freezing: Parjoale can be easily frozen. Prepare a larger quantity, fry them, and let them cool, then pack them in airtight bags and store them in the freezer.

Nutritional benefits

Beef parjoale are a good source of protein, iron, and B vitamins. Adding vegetables like carrot and potato provides fiber and essential nutrients, while garlic brings additional health benefits with its antioxidant properties.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use store-bought ground meat? Yes, but make sure to opt for quality meat, preferably with low-fat content.
2. What can I do with leftovers? Leftover parjoale can be used in sandwiches or salads, adding extra flavor and texture.
3. How can I make them spicier? Add spices like chili or paprika to the meat mixture.

Personal story

I fondly remember the moments spent in the kitchen with my grandmother, who showed me how to prepare parjoale. Each ingredient had a story, and the aroma that spread throughout the house was simply irresistible. These parjoale are not just a delicious dish, but also a way to bring tradition and family closer.

I wish you much success in preparing these Moldovan parjoale and encourage you to experiment with various ingredients and sides. Enjoy your meal!