Oven-baked meatballs

Oven Meatballs – A Delicious and Healthy Recipe

Welcome to my kitchen! Today, I will guide you in preparing oven meatballs, a simple yet flavorful recipe that will bring joy to your table. Meatballs are a classic dish, beloved by many generations, being very versatile and easy to adapt to everyone's tastes. This specific recipe combines beef and pork, but you can experiment with other types of meat, such as chicken or turkey, for a lighter version.

Regarding the history of meatballs, it is believed that they have been prepared over time in various cultures, having many variations in ingredients and spices. Their origins lie in the need to utilize leftover meat, transforming it into delicious dishes that can be served both hot and cold.

Today, I will present you with a recipe for oven meatballs that are not only healthy but also taste fantastic. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 45-50 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 700 g ground meat mix (beef and pork)
- 1 small onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 5 tablespoons breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- A pinch of Delikat (or salt, to taste)
- Freshly ground pepper (to taste)
- Olive oil (for greasing the pan)
- Optional: chopped fresh dill (for added flavor)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing the onion and garlic well. Chop the onion finely, and you can crush the garlic with a knife or chop it finely. These will add a delicious aroma to your meatballs. If you choose to use dill, make sure it is fresh and well washed.

2. Mixing the composition: In a large bowl, add the ground meat, the prepared onion and garlic, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, Delikat (or salt), and pepper. Use your hands to mix all the ingredients well until they are homogeneous. This is an essential step, as a well-mixed composition will lead to meatballs with a uniform and tasty texture.

3. Shaping the meatballs: Once the mixture is well combined, shape the meatballs. You can make them the desired size, but the most common size is about 3-4 cm in diameter. Make sure to shape the meatballs with slightly wet hands to prevent sticking.

4. Preparing the baking tray: Preheat the oven to 200°C. While the oven is heating, grease a baking tray with a little olive oil to prevent the meatballs from sticking. You can use a brush to evenly distribute the oil on the bottom of the tray.

5. Baking the meatballs: Place the shaped meatballs in the tray, leaving a small space between them for air circulation. Put the tray in the oven and let the meatballs bake for 15-20 minutes. After this time, carefully turn them over and let them bake for another 10-15 minutes until they become golden and crispy.

6. Serving: Once the meatballs are ready, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly. They can be served hot alongside a fresh salad, yogurt sauce, or mashed potatoes. A wonderful idea is to pair them with a refreshing drink, such as a fruit smoothie or fresh juice.

Practical tips:

- You can experiment with various spices, such as paprika, cumin, or basil, to give your meatballs a unique flavor.
- If you want a vegetarian version, you can replace the meat with green lentils or cooked chickpeas, adding grated vegetables (e.g., carrot or zucchini) to enrich the texture.
- The meatballs can be frozen after baking. Place them in an airtight container and you can keep them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you want to consume them, thaw and reheat them in the oven.

Calories and nutritional benefits:

Per serving, the oven meatballs contain approximately 300-350 calories, depending on the proportion of meat used and additional ingredients. They are a good source of protein, thanks to the meat, and can be a healthy option, especially when baked instead of fried. Additionally, adding vegetables like onion and garlic enhances their nutritional profile.

Frequently asked questions:

1. How can I make the meatballs less fatty?
You can use lean meat (e.g., turkey meat) and bake them instead of frying.

2. What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
You can use ground oats or dried bread grated.

3. Can I use the meatballs in sandwiches?
Absolutely! Meatballs are delicious in sandwiches, alongside fresh vegetables and sauces.

I hope this oven meatball recipe quickly becomes one of your favorites. With a little patience and love, you will create a tasty dish that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!