Meatballs with onion salad

Delicious Meatballs with Onion Salad - A Feast of Flavors and Textures

If you're looking for a recipe that brings comfort and joy to your kitchen, look no further. Meatballs are a classic dish that perfectly combines the savory taste of meat with the fresh flavors of vegetables. This recipe is simple, quick, and most importantly, incredibly tasty! Whether you serve them with sauce, on their own, or with an onion salad, these meatballs will delight your family's taste buds.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

- 1 kg pork (or a mix of pork and beef for a more complex flavor)
- 3 large onions, finely chopped
- 4-5 medium potatoes, peeled
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2-3 garlic cloves, grated
- 2 eggs
- Fresh dill, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- Oil for frying

Preparation

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by finely chopping the 3 onions. Choose fresh, large onions to achieve a rich flavor. The onion will add juiciness and aroma to your meatballs.

2. Mixing the meat: In a large bowl, add the minced meat. You can enhance the flavor by mixing different types of meat, such as pork and beef. Add the chopped onion, tomato paste, grated garlic, salt, and pepper. These ingredients will enrich the dish, providing a well-balanced flavor.

3. Adding the potatoes: Peel the potatoes and grate them. It’s important to squeeze them well to remove excess water, so the meatballs don’t become too wet. Add the grated potatoes to the meat mixture, along with the eggs and chopped fresh dill. Dill not only adds a wonderful taste but also pairs perfectly with pork.

4. Shaping the meatballs: Mix all the ingredients well, ensuring they are homogeneous. Use your hands to form evenly sized meatballs, then coat them in flour. This will help achieve a crispy crust during frying.

5. Frying: Heat the oil in a deep pan. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the meatballs to ensure even frying and a golden color. Fry them on each side until they are golden brown and crispy. Finally, remove them onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

6. Preparing the onion salad: In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, and julienned onion. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can also add a bit of chili pepper for an extra kick.

7. Serving: Arrange the meatballs on a platter and serve them warm alongside the onion salad. They pair perfectly with a side of mashed potatoes or pea puree, but you can also opt for a rice side to make the meal even heartier.

Tips and Useful Advice

- Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of meatballs (about 3 meatballs) contains around 400-500 calories, depending on the type of meat used and the amount of oil. They are rich in protein, but be sure to serve them with vegetables to balance the meal.

- Recipe variations: You can experiment with different types of meat, such as chicken or turkey, or add spices like oregano or thyme to diversify the flavor. Substitute the potatoes with grated zucchini for a lighter version.

- Frequently asked questions:
- Can I freeze the meatballs? Yes, meatballs can be frozen before frying. Make sure they are well wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
- What is the best meat for meatballs? Pork is ideal for juiciness, but a mix of pork and beef offers a more complex flavor.
- How can I prevent the meatballs from being dry? Make sure not to overcook them, and adding grated potatoes or bread soaked in milk can help maintain juiciness.

Meatballs with onion salad are more than just a simple dish; they are a true celebration of flavors and textures. Whether you serve them at a family meal or a gathering with friends, these meatballs will always bring smiles and compliments. Enjoy your meal!