Bowl with meatballs

Sweet Bread with Meatballs in Puff Pastry Cups

Who doesn't love a lavish meal, full of flavors and colors? Today, I will teach you how to prepare a delicious puff pastry cup filled with juicy meatballs and vegetables. This recipe will not only impress anyone but will also bring a splash of creativity to your kitchen.

Preparation time: 40 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients

- 1 sheet of puff pastry
- 2 large eggs + 1 yolk
- 4 champignon mushrooms
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1/2 chicken breast
- 100 g Dalia cheese (or any cheese of your choice)
- 3 tablespoons of flour
- 6 tablespoons of breadcrumbs
- 50 g salty cheese (optional)
- 1/4 onion
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds (for decoration)
- 4 small potatoes
- 1 cup of milk
- Water, enough to cover the potatoes
- A small cube of butter (optional)

Preparation Steps

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by finely chopping the vegetables: the bell pepper, onion, and mushrooms. If you want a finer texture, you can use a food processor. Cut the chicken breast into small cubes to cook faster.

2. Boiling the potatoes:
Peel the potatoes and cut them into small cubes. Place them in a pot, add water and milk (about 1:1) and a pinch of salt. Let them boil over medium heat until they become soft but not overcooked. About 15-20 minutes should be enough. When ready, add half a teaspoon of butter for a creamy taste.

3. Preparing the meatballs:
In a pan, add a little oil and sauté the onion and mushrooms for 3-4 minutes until golden. Add the chopped chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the meat is well done.

4. Mixing the meatball mixture:
In a large bowl, mash the boiled potatoes with a fork. Add the meat and vegetable mixture, 1 beaten egg, chopped parsley, half of the grated cheese, and if desired, the salty cheese. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.

5. Shaping the meatballs:
With wet hands, form small balls from the obtained mixture. Dip each meatball in flour, then in the beaten egg mixed with the remaining grated cheese, and finally in breadcrumbs.

6. Frying the meatballs:
In a deep pan, heat the oil. Fry the meatballs until golden on all sides. Remove them onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

7. Preparing the cups:
While the meatballs are frying, prepare the puff pastry cups. Wrap a porcelain bowl in aluminum foil, then wrap it with the puff pastry sheet. Brush the top with the egg yolk and sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and crispy.

8. Assembling the dish:
After the cups are baked, carefully remove the bowl from inside (if you notice it breaks, don’t worry, leave it as it is, the cup will still be delicious). Fill the cups with the fried meatballs. You can decorate with colorful vegetables or a bit of fresh parsley for an appetizing look.

Useful Tips

- Recipe variations: You can experiment with different types of meat, such as turkey or pork. Also, add spices to your liking, such as paprika or herbs.
- Serving: These cups are perfect as an appetizer for a party or a light lunch. They pair wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a garlic yogurt sauce.
- Frequently asked questions:
- *Can I use pizza dough instead of puff pastry?* - Yes, but the texture will be different. Puff pastry offers a unique crispness.
- *How can I make vegan meatballs?* - You can replace the meat with mashed vegetables or crumbled tofu and use chickpea flour or bread crumbs to bind the mixture.

Nutritional Benefits

- Chicken is an excellent source of protein, essential for muscle development.
- Potatoes provide complex carbohydrates, offering long-term energy.
- Vegetables add important vitamins and minerals, contributing to a balanced diet.

Personal Note

I fondly remember the first time I made these cups. It was a rainy day, and the atmosphere in the kitchen was filled with aromas and laughter. I invited friends over for an impromptu dinner, and every bite was met with enthusiasm. I encourage you to do the same – cooking is more than just an activity; it’s a way to create beautiful memories!

These meatball cups are not just a delicious recipe but also an opportunity to bring joy to your table by sharing cooking with loved ones. So, let’s get to work and enjoy the culinary adventure! Happy cooking!