Meat and vegetable meatballs, baked

Meat and Vegetable Meatballs Baked in the Oven

Who can resist a platter of delicious meatballs? These meat and vegetable meatballs are not only nutritious but also incredibly tasty. Baked in the oven, they become juicy and fluffy, and the combination of meat with vegetables provides a perfect flavor. Perfect for a family dinner or a meal with friends, these little meatballs are an inspired and healthy choice. Let’s get started!

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

Ingredients:

- 600 g mixed meat (pork and chicken)
- 1 large onion
- 3-4 cloves of garlic
- 2 medium potatoes
- 1 large carrot
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon breadcrumbs
- Fresh chopped parsley (to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for greasing

Preparing the meatballs:

1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by peeling the onion and potatoes. Use a grater with small holes to grate the onion and potatoes, then squeeze them well to remove excess water. The carrot, on the other hand, should be grated using a grater with larger holes to add a more interesting texture to the meatballs. Finely crush the garlic.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the minced meat with the prepared vegetables. Add the eggs, chopped parsley, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands or a spatula until all ingredients are fully integrated. It is important for the mixture to be homogeneous, but if it seems too soft, you can add a little more breadcrumbs to firm up the composition.

3. Shaping the meatballs: Prepare a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Grease your hands with a little oil to prevent sticking. Take a portion of the meat mixture and form small balls, then gently flatten them to obtain evenly shaped meatballs. Place them on the prepared tray, leaving a little space between them to bake evenly.

4. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the tray in the oven and let the meatballs bake for 30 minutes, carefully turning them halfway through to brown evenly on both sides.

5. Serving: Once the meatballs are browned and well-cooked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm, alongside a fresh salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, and radishes, or with a delicious tomato sauce. These meatballs can also be used as a filling for sandwiches or as an appetizer.

Helpful tips:

- If you want a richer flavor, you can add spices such as sweet paprika or herbs (oregano, basil).
- Experiment with other vegetables! Bell peppers or zucchini can add a delicious and colorful touch.
- The meatballs can be frozen after cooling. You can store them in an airtight container and reheat them in the oven when you need a quick meal.
- A healthy option would be to serve them with a yogurt or tzatziki sauce, adding a touch of freshness.

Nutritional benefits:

These meatballs are rich in protein due to the meat, and the vegetables provide a considerable amount of vitamins and minerals. Parsley, in particular, is an excellent source of vitamin C, which helps strengthen the immune system. Moreover, baking reduces the amount of added fats, making them a healthier choice than fried ones.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use turkey instead of pork and chicken?
Yes, turkey is a healthy alternative, and the meatballs will still be delicious.

2. How can I make the meatballs spicier?
Add chopped hot pepper or chili flakes to the meat mixture.

3. Can the meatballs be made without eggs?
Yes, you can use hydrated flaxseeds or potato puree as a binder.

4. What other recipes can the meatballs be combined with?
These meatballs go wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta, giving you a complete meal.

I encourage you to try this recipe, which will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of creativity to your kitchen. Enjoy your meal!