Baked meatballs

Oven-Baked Meatballs – A Healthy and Tasty Delicacy

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Meatballs are a classic dish in many households, with deep roots in culinary traditions. Over time, each culture has developed its own variations, transforming them into a dish that can easily be adapted to individual tastes. By baking the meatballs in the oven, we not only enjoy a healthier dish but also retain all the flavors of the fresh ingredients.

Necessary ingredients:

- 700 g ground meat (a great combination is turkey, beef, and pork)
- 1-2 eggs (depending on how bound you want the mixture)
- 1 medium onion
- 2 slices of bread (soaked in water and then squeezed)
- 1 medium potato (for extra juiciness)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh herbs (parsley or dill are excellent)
- Oil (to grease your palms)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by chopping the onion and herbs. If you like, you can also add 2-3 cloves of garlic for extra flavor. Peel the potato and grate it finely. This will contribute to the juicy texture of the meatballs.

2. Grinding the meat: Use a meat grinder to grind the meat, onion, potato, bread, and herbs. This step ensures a uniform and well-integrated mixture. If you don’t have a meat grinder, you can use a food processor.

3. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the ground meat, the obtained mixture, raw eggs, salt, and pepper. Mix well with a spatula or your hands until homogeneous. It is important that the eggs are well integrated so that the meatballs do not fall apart during baking.

4. Shaping the meatballs: Wet your palms with a little oil to prevent the mixture from sticking. Using a spoon, take some of the meat mixture and form small balls, then flatten them slightly to achieve the desired shape.

5. Preparing for the oven: Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Place the shaped meatballs on the tray, leaving a little space between them for even baking.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 200°C. Place the tray in the oven and let the meatballs bake for 25-30 minutes. Halfway through, turn the meatballs to brown them evenly.

7. Finishing: The meatballs are ready when they have a golden crust and are cooked inside. Check them with a fork – the juices that run out should be clear, with no traces of blood.

Serving and pairing suggestions:

Baked meatballs are perfect served alongside a fresh salad or mashed potatoes. You can add a garlic yogurt sauce or a tomato sauce for extra flavor. They also pair wonderfully with grilled vegetables or rice.

Tips and variations:

- You can add spices like paprika or cumin for a more intense flavor.
- Replace pork with chicken for a lighter version.
- Experiment with different types of herbs or even crumbled feta cheese in the meat mixture.

Nutritional benefits:

Baked meatballs are an excellent source of protein, especially if you use lean meat. The potato adds complex carbohydrates, while the herbs contribute essential vitamins and minerals. This recipe is a healthy choice for lunch or dinner, having a lower calorie content than fried meatballs.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use frozen meat?
Yes, make sure it is completely thawed and give it time to reach room temperature before grinding.

2. Can meatballs be prepared in advance?
Absolutely! You can shape the meatballs and keep them in the fridge for a few hours or even freeze them for later use.

3. How can I make the meatballs less fatty?
Choose lean meat and avoid adding oil to the mixture. Baking in the oven will further reduce the fat content.

In conclusion, these baked meatballs are not only easy to prepare but also healthy and versatile. Whether you serve them at a family meal or as an appetizer for friends, they are definitely a dish that will impress. Don’t forget to experiment and add your personal touch to each recipe!