Meatballs with mayonnaise

Meatballs with Mayonnaise – A Holiday Delicacy

Who doesn't love the delicious flavors of meatballs? These savory little balls, slightly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, are a true culinary feast, especially when served with fresh mayonnaise and pickled onions. Whether it's a festive meal or a family picnic, meatballs with mayonnaise are always an inspired choice. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step to achieve perfect meatballs and delicious mayonnaise, accompanied by pickled onions that will add an extra burst of flavor.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients for meatballs:
- 600-700 g minced meat (beef and pork mix)
- 1 medium potato
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 egg
- 1 medium onion
- 100 ml milk
- 1 bun
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for flavor

Ingredients for mayonnaise:
- 3 eggs
- 900 ml oil
- Salt to taste
- Lemon juice

Ingredients for pickled onions:
- 8-9 medium-sized onions
- Peppercorns
- Bay leaves
- Sugar
- Salt
- 80-100 ml vinegar
- Water

Step 1: Preparing the meatballs

We start by preparing the meatballs. In a large bowl, add the minced meat, the bun soaked in milk and squeezed, the grated potato, crushed garlic, finely chopped onion, egg, and chopped fresh parsley. It is essential to mix all the ingredients well to obtain a homogeneous mixture. Use a good friend, a hand mixer, to help you achieve the desired consistency.

Practical tips: If you want more flavorful meatballs, add some spices like paprika or cumin. These will give a special taste and transform the classic recipe into something extraordinary.

Once you have a homogeneous mixture, wet your hands to prevent the mixture from sticking. Form balls the size of walnuts and place them on a plate. It is important for the meatballs to be uniformly sized to cook evenly.

Step 2: Frying the meatballs

In a large frying pan, heat the oil (enough to cover the bottom of the pan) over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the meatballs one by one. Fry them for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Place them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

Step 3: Preparing the mayonnaise

Mayonnaise is a crucial element of this dish. To prepare delicious and creamy mayonnaise, add the 3 eggs to a deep bowl. Using a mixer or whisk, start beating the eggs. Gradually add the oil in a thin stream, mixing constantly. When the mayonnaise starts to thicken, add salt and lemon juice to taste.

Helpful tip: If you want a lighter mayonnaise, you can replace part of the oil with Greek yogurt. This will provide a creamy texture and reduce the calorie count.

Step 4: Preparing the pickled onions

While frying the meatballs and preparing the mayonnaise, it’s the perfect time to make the pickled onions. Peel the onions and slice them julienne. Place them in a bowl of cold water and let them soak overnight to reduce their sharpness.

In a pot, add 2 liters of water, vinegar, peppercorns, bay leaves, sugar, and salt. Put the mixture on the heat, and when the water starts to boil, add the onions. Boil for 15 minutes, then drain the onions in a colander. Let them cool completely.

Step 5: Assembling

In a large bowl, mix 2/3 of the mayonnaise with the pickled onions. Then, add the fried meatballs and gently mix, being careful not to crush them. If you want the meatballs to absorb less mayonnaise, add it shortly before serving. You can use the remaining mayonnaise to garnish the dish on the plate.

Personal tip: Serve the meatballs with a squeeze of fresh lemon on top to enhance the flavors and add a pleasant contrast of acidity.

Serving

Place the meatballs with mayonnaise in bowls, decorate with fresh parsley, and if desired, add lemon slices for a vibrant look. You can serve this dish cold or at room temperature, making it a perfect appetizer for any occasion. These meatballs are delicious paired with a fresh green salad or even a side of mashed potatoes.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use minced meat from another type?
- Of course! You can experiment with chicken or turkey for a lighter option.
2. What other sauces can I use instead of mayonnaise?
- A delicious option is tzatziki sauce or a yogurt sauce with spices.
3. How can I store the meatballs?
- The meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Nutritional benefits:
Meatballs are an excellent source of protein due to the meat, and adding vegetables like onions and potatoes provides an extra boost of fiber. The pickled onions bring antioxidants and important vitamins for health, and mayonnaise, although high in calories, can be adapted to be lighter without sacrificing taste.

Possible variations:
To give a special touch, you can add feta cheese to the meatball mixture or even chopped olives. These will bring a Mediterranean flavor to the dish.

Meatballs with mayonnaise are more than just a simple dish; they are an opportunity to gather family and friends around the table, to create memories, and to savor moments of joy. So, arm yourself with fresh ingredients and fun in the kitchen, and let your imagination soar! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: for meatballs: 600-700 g minced meat mix beef, pork one potato 3 cloves of garlic one egg one onion 100 ml milk one bun salt pepper chopped green parsley for mayonnaise: 3 eggs, 900 ml oil salt lemon juice additionally 8-9 medium-sized onions peppercorns bay leaves sugar salt pepper 80-100 ml vinegar

 Tags:  meatballs mayonnaise salad onion vinegar