Sesame Meatballs

Oven-baked meatballs with sesame - A healthy and tasty delicacy

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 50-55 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4-6

Who doesn’t love a well-browned meatball with a crispy exterior and a juicy interior? While fried meatballs are famous for their flavor, the oven-baked version is not only healthier but also extremely delicious. These sesame meatballs are easy to prepare and are sure to become a family favorite.

A short story about meatballs

Meatballs are a classic dish in many cultures, ingeniously using leftover meat or adding vegetables to daily meals. The versatility of this dish is incredible; they can be adapted according to individual preferences, based on beef, pork, chicken, or even vegetarian options. Oven-baked meatballs, on the other hand, are gaining popularity due to the healthy cooking method and the crispy texture achieved through baking.

Necessary ingredients

- 500 g minced meat (beef, pork, or chicken)
- 3 eggs
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 2 large potatoes, grated
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 bunch of parsley, finely chopped
- Sesame seeds, for decoration

Details about the ingredients

Minced meat is essential for these meatballs, and the choice of meat can influence both the flavor and the final texture. Beef provides a stronger taste, while chicken is leaner and easier to digest. Onion adds moisture and flavor, while grated potatoes contribute to the perfect consistency of the meatballs. Tomato paste not only enriches the flavor but also adds an appetizing color. Fresh parsley is an essential element that brings a touch of freshness.

Preparation instructions

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing the potatoes and peeling them. Grate them using a fine grater and then squeeze out the juice. This step is crucial to avoid a too-wet mixture.

2. Mixing the composition: In a large bowl, add the minced meat, chopped onion, tomato paste, eggs, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix all the ingredients well until you obtain a homogeneous composition.

3. Including the potatoes: Add the grated and squeezed potatoes to the meat mixture. Mix again to integrate all the ingredients well.

4. Forming the meatballs: With wet hands, form balls of the desired size (about the size of a golf ball) from the obtained mixture. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them to bake evenly.

5. Decorating with sesame seeds: Sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the meatballs for an attractive appearance and delicious aroma.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 200°C. Place the tray in the oven and let the meatballs bake for 25 minutes. After this interval, turn the meatballs over and bake for another 25 minutes until they become golden and crispy.

7. Testing the baking: After 50-55 minutes, you can check if they are cooked inside. Cut one in half and ensure it is well done.

Useful tips

- You can customize your recipe: Add spices such as garlic powder, paprika, or herbs for extra flavor.
- For an even better texture, you can incorporate a slice of bread soaked in milk or water into the mixture.
- For a more intense flavor, let the meatballs rest in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking.
- Serving: Oven-baked sesame meatballs pair wonderfully with yogurt sauce or creamy mashed potatoes. You can also serve them with a fresh vegetable salad for a balanced lunch or dinner.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use turkey meat?
Yes, turkey meat is an excellent choice, offering a leaner dish.

2. What is the best way to store meatballs?
Meatballs can be stored in the fridge for 3 days or frozen for later use.

3. Can I make vegetarian meatballs?
Absolutely! Replace the meat with a mixture of chopped vegetables and grains.

Nutritional benefits

Oven-baked meatballs provide a good source of protein from meat, vitamins and minerals from vegetables, and are a healthier option compared to fried ones. Potatoes add healthy carbohydrates, while sesame seeds are rich in calcium and healthy fats.

These oven-baked sesame meatballs are not only a healthy choice but also a delicious option for any meal. I challenge you to try this simple and quick recipe, perfect for a family dinner or a tasty lunch. The experience of cooking is just as wonderful as the final result, so enjoy every step of the process!