Meatballs

Meat jelly with garlic and onion flavor

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 90 minutes
Total: 2 hours
Number of servings: 6-8

When it comes to delicious and comforting dishes, few recipes can compete with meat jelly, a dish that brings a touch of tradition to every meal. This recipe combines minced beef and pork with an intense flavor of onion and garlic, resulting in juicy and flavorful meatballs. Whether you're preparing them for a family meal or a special occasion, these meatballs are sure to win everyone's hearts.

Necessary ingredients

- 800 g minced beef
- 200 g minced pork
- 2 large onions
- 8 cloves of garlic
- 1-2 tablespoons of salt (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried mint
- 2 slices of white bread (soaked in cold water)
- 2 eggs
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- Breadcrumbs (enough to shape the meatballs)

Details about the ingredients

Minced beef provides a rich taste and juicy texture, while pork adds a hint of fattiness. Garlic and onion not only enrich the dish's flavor but also bring nutritional benefits, having anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Mint gives a surprising and refreshing twist, while breadcrumbs help bind the mixture.

Preparation steps

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by finely chopping the onion and garlic. It is important that they are very well minced to integrate perfectly into the mixture. You can use a food processor to save time.

2. Mixing the meat: In a large bowl, combine the minced beef and pork. Add the chopped onion and garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and mint. It is essential to mix all the ingredients well so that the flavors combine harmoniously.

3. Incorporating the bread and eggs: Squeeze the soaked bread well and add it to the meat bowl. This will help maintain moisture in the meatballs. Add the eggs, which will bind the mixture. Mix everything with your hands until you obtain a homogeneous mass.

4. Adding breadcrumbs: Gradually add breadcrumbs until the mixture becomes firm enough to shape the meatballs. It is important not to add too much breadcrumbs, otherwise, the meatballs will become dry.

5. Shaping the meatballs: With wet hands, form large balls, about 4-5 cm in diameter. Gently press them to give them a flat shape so they cook evenly.

6. Cooking: You can choose to cook the meatballs either on the grill or in the oven. If you opt for the oven, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If desired, you can also add some diced potatoes to the tray, drizzled with olive oil.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C and leave the meatballs in the oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes. 15 minutes before they are done, add the juice of 2 lemons to add a note of freshness and acidity.

8. Serving: These meatballs are delicious served with various side dishes. I recommend serving them with a portion of fragrant rice or fried potatoes. A fresh salad alongside a tzatziki sauce will perfectly complete the meal.

Useful tips

- Trick for moisture: If you feel the mixture is too dry, you can add a tablespoon of water or milk to give it more moisture.
- Variations: You can experiment with different herbs, such as parsley or basil, to add another flavor profile.
- Freezing: If you prepare more meatballs, you can freeze them. Place them on a tray and put them in the freezer. After they have hardened, you can transfer them to freezer bags. When you want to cook them, just let them thaw and then bake according to the instructions.

Nutritional benefits

This dish is an excellent source of quality protein, thanks to the meat, and contains a significant amount of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. Garlic and onion also contribute to a stronger immune system.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use turkey instead of pork?
Yes, you can replace pork with turkey for a lighter option.

2. What side dishes go best?
Basmati rice, fried potatoes, or a fresh vegetable salad are excellent choices.

3. How do I know when the meatballs are done?
The meatballs are done when they are browned on the outside and no longer pink on the inside. You can use a kitchen thermometer to check the internal temperature (it should be at least 75°C).

Your meatballs are now ready to be enjoyed! I wish you much success and joy in cooking!

 Ingredients: 800g minced beef, 200g minced pork, 2 large onions, 8 cloves of garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, mint, breadcrumbs, 2 eggs, 2 slices of bread soaked in cold water, olive oil.