Spinach and chicken breast meatballs

Delicious spinach and chicken breast meatballs: a spring recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Spring brings us an explosion of flavors and colors, and these spinach and chicken breast meatballs are perfect for celebrating the season. These delicious meatballs are not only tasty but also extremely nutritious, thanks to the combination of chicken meat and fresh vegetables. Let's see how we can prepare them step by step!

Necessary ingredients:

- 200 g minced chicken breast
- 400-500 g fresh spinach (or frozen)
- 1 garlic clove
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 slices of stale bread
- 50-60 g grated Parmesan
- Breadcrumbs (for coating)
- Oil (for frying)

Preparing the meatballs:

1. Cleaning and washing the spinach: Start by cleaning the spinach, removing any wilted leaves or dirt. Wash it well under cold running water, then let it drain.

2. Sautéing the spinach: In a large skillet, add a little oil and sauté the crushed garlic clove. The heat should be high to achieve an intense flavor. Add the spinach and cover the skillet with a lid. Let it sauté for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and flavorful.

3. Chopping the spinach: Once the spinach has cooled a bit, chop it finely with a knife, but not too finely; we want to keep a pleasant texture.

4. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sautéed and chopped spinach with the minced chicken breast, salt, pepper, grated Parmesan, and the stale bread soaked in water or milk (make sure to squeeze it well before adding). Mix everything very well until the ingredients are homogenized.

5. Forming the meatballs: Let the mixture chill in the refrigerator for a few minutes to firm up a bit. Then, with wet hands, shape the meatballs to the desired size, rolling them in breadcrumbs for a crispy crust.

6. Frying the meatballs: In a deep skillet, heat plenty of oil. When the oil is hot (you can check by tossing in a breadcrumb; if it sizzles, the oil is ready), add the meatballs and fry them until golden and crispy on both sides. This process takes about 4-5 minutes on each side. Remove them onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

Serving:

The spinach and chicken breast meatballs can be enjoyed hot or cold. You can serve them with a side of fresh salad, a yogurt sauce, or even a serving of mashed potatoes. If you want to make them even more interesting, try pairing them with a spicy tomato sauce or a flavorful yogurt sauce with herbs.

Useful tips:

- Ingredients: If you don't have fresh spinach on hand, feel free to use frozen spinach. Make sure to thaw and drain it well before using.
- Variations: You can also add other ingredients to the meatball mixture, such as feta cheese or olives for a more intense flavor. Additionally, you can experiment with different herbs, such as basil or parsley.
- Storage: If you have leftover meatballs, you can keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or in a skillet.

Nutritional benefits:

These meatballs are rich in protein due to the chicken breast and packed with vitamins and minerals thanks to the spinach, a wonderful ingredient that helps strengthen the immune system and is an excellent source of antioxidants. Each serving contains approximately 250 calories, but this number may vary depending on the amount of oil used for frying.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use turkey instead of chicken? Absolutely! Turkey meat is a healthy and tasty alternative.
2. Can the meatballs be frozen? Yes, you can freeze the raw or fried meatballs. Make sure to place them in an airtight container.
3. What other sides go well with this? These meatballs are excellent with a side of steamed vegetables, a green salad, or even alongside a serving of pasta.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to start cooking! These spinach and chicken breast meatballs are not only a delight but also an excellent way to bring a touch of spring to your plate. Enjoy!