Baked potato meatballs

Baked Potato Meatballs

Welcome to the world of culinary delights! Today, I present to you a simple yet incredibly tasty recipe: baked potato meatballs. This delicious combination brings together a crispy texture and a unique flavor, perfect for a family meal or a dinner with friends. Let’s discover together how to prepare them step by step, ensuring a perfect result every time!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:

For the meatballs:
- 400 g ground turkey (or any type of meat, according to preference)
- 1 large onion
- 1 medium potato
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 egg
- 2 slices of bread (soaked in cold milk)
- Salt and pepper, to taste

For the side:
- 4-5 potatoes (sliced)
- Oil for greasing the baking tray
- Fresh dill, for garnish

Preparation:

1. Preparing the meatball mixture
Start by adding all the ingredients for the meatballs into a food processor bowl. This includes the ground turkey, finely chopped onion, peeled and diced potato, garlic cloves, egg, soaked bread slices, and seasonings—salt and pepper. Blend everything until you achieve a smooth paste. This is a crucial step for obtaining juicy and flavorful meatballs.

2. Resting the mixture
Once the mixture is ready, it’s important to let it rest in the fridge for 30 minutes. This step allows the ingredients to blend better and helps form a better texture.

3. Preparing the potatoes
While the mixture rests, peel the potatoes for the side. Slice them into rounds about 0.5 cm thick. Season with salt, pepper, and optionally, a little olive oil for added flavor. You can also add spices like paprika or herbs, depending on your preferences.

4. Forming the meatballs
After the mixture has rested, grease your hands with a little oil and form meatballs of your desired size. It’s important not to make them too large, so they cook evenly. I recommend making them the size of a golf ball.

5. Arranging in the tray
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Grease a baking tray with a little oil and arrange the meatballs in it. Between the meatballs, place the potato rounds so they cook simultaneously. On top, sprinkle fresh dill, which will add a touch of freshness and flavor.

6. Baking
Place the tray in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. The meatballs should be browned, and the potatoes should become crispy. I recommend checking occasionally to avoid burning.

7. Serving
Finally, remove the tray from the oven and let the dish cool slightly before serving. You can drizzle a white sauce (such as yogurt sauce or garlic sour cream) on top, which will perfectly complement the flavors of the meatballs and potatoes.

Nutritional benefits:
These meatballs are a healthy choice due to the turkey meat, which is high in protein and low in fat. Potatoes, being an excellent source of carbohydrates, provide energy, while onion and garlic contribute antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

Possible variations:
If you want to experiment, you can add various herbs to the meatball mixture, such as parsley or basil. Instead of turkey, you can use chicken or even a vegetarian option, such as chickpeas or lentils.

Serving suggestions:
These baked potato meatballs pair wonderfully with a fresh vegetable salad or steamed vegetables. Additionally, a glass of white wine or freshly squeezed tomato juice would be excellent accompaniments.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use pork or beef?
Yes, you can substitute the turkey with pork or beef, but be mindful of the seasonings, as pork is fattier.

- What can I do with leftovers?
Leftover meatballs can be stored in the fridge and reheated the next day. They can also be added to sandwiches or salads.

- How can I make the meatballs less fatty?
Use lean ground meat and avoid adding excess oil. Additionally, baking is a healthier option than frying.

I hope you enjoyed this detailed guide on preparing baked potato meatballs. This recipe is a true treasure in the kitchen and will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!