Baked meatballs on a bed of green salad

Baked Meatballs on a Bed of Green Salad

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Number of Servings: 4

Are you looking for a savory, healthy, and easy-to-make dish? Baked meatballs on a bed of green salad are the perfect choice! These delicious little bites are an ideal option for a family lunch or dinner, and the preparation process is simple and quick. Plus, you can customize them to your liking. Let's discover together how to make them!

A Bit of History
Meatballs have a long history and have been adapted in numerous culinary cultures over time. They are usually made from minced meat, but you can also find vegetarian versions. Baking instead of frying in oil makes them healthier while retaining all the flavor and juiciness of the ingredients.

Ingredients
- 600 g minced pork and beef mix
- 2 medium onions
- 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
- 3 eggs
- 1 large potato
- A bunch of fresh dill
- Salt, pepper, and marjoram to taste
- 4 garlic cloves
- 2 heads of lettuce (you can choose between iceberg, romaine, or your preferred type)
- 2 bunches of green onions
- 10 ml vinegar (preferably wine vinegar)
- 10 ml olive oil

Step by Step: Making the Meatballs

1. Preparing the meatball mixture
In a large bowl, place the minced pork and beef mix. Add the finely chopped onion, dill, salt, pepper, and marjoram. All these ingredients will give a rich flavor to your meatballs.
Practical tips:
- Use quality meat, ideal for juicy meatballs.
- If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can also add some spices like sweet paprika or chili pepper.

2. Adding the wet ingredients
Grate the potato and squeeze it well, then add it to the bowl. This will add moisture and make the meatballs fluffier.
Add the eggs and the 2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs, then mix the mixture well with your hands or a spatula until homogeneous.

3. Shaping the meatballs
With wet hands, form small balls from the mixture obtained. Make sure they are uniform in size for even baking.

4. Preparing for baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. In a baking tray, drizzle a little olive oil on the bottom to prevent sticking. Carefully place the meatballs in the tray, leaving a little space between them. Cover the tray with aluminum foil to retain moisture.

5. Baking
Place the tray in the oven and bake the meatballs for 40 minutes. Halfway through, turn them with a spatula for even browning.
Enjoy your meal! You will feel the enticing aroma of the baked meatballs that will make your mouth water.

Preparing the Green Salad

1. Washing and cutting the lettuce
Wash the lettuce well and cut it into strips with a sharp knife. Choose the most tender leaves for better taste.

2. Adding the onion
Peel and chop the onion, then add it over the salad. This will provide a pleasant contrast of texture and flavor.

3. Preparing the dressing
In a small bowl, mix the vinegar, salt, and olive oil. You can also add a splash of mustard for a more complex flavor. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix well.

Serving
Place the salad on a plate and put the baked meatballs on top. You can garnish with a few fresh dill leaves or lemon slices for a lively and fresh appearance. This dish is ideal to be served with a cold lemonade or a dry white wine.

Variations and Suggestions
- For a vegetarian option, you can replace the meat with lentils or mashed chickpeas.
- Add crumbled feta cheese to the meatball mixture for a special flavor.
- You can experiment with different types of herbs, such as basil or oregano, to add a personal touch.

Nutritional Benefits
These meatballs are rich in protein due to the meat and eggs, while the green salad adds a healthy dose of fiber and vitamins. The potato in the mixture provides complex carbohydrates, essential for energy.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can the meatballs be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the meatballs before baking. Make sure to divide them into portions before putting them in the freezer.
2. Can I use other types of meat?
Absolutely! You can use chicken, turkey, or even beef for a different taste.
3. What drinks go well with this dish?
A refreshing lemonade or a dry white wine are excellent choices. Also, mineral water with lemon is very refreshing.

In conclusion, baked meatballs on a bed of green salad are an excellent choice for a healthy and delicious lunch or dinner. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you will get a dish that will impress anyone. Don't forget to play with the ingredients and adapt them to your taste. Enjoy your meal!