Meatballs with mayonnaise and onion

Recipe for Meatballs with Mayonnaise and Caramelized Onions

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8

A delicious recipe for meatballs with mayonnaise and caramelized onions, which perfectly blends flavors and textures, is ideal for a festive meal or a get-together with friends. This dish offers not only a savory taste, but also a story behind it, with deep roots in traditional cuisine, where the smell of roasted meat and onions drew the whole family around the table. Let's explore this dish together.

Ingredients needed:

For the meatballs:
- 1 kg beef (choose quality meat with moderate fat content for a juicy texture)
- 300 g bacon (bacon adds extra flavor, but you can also use pork or turkey, depending on your preference)
- 2-3 slices of bread (soaked in water or milk for a soft consistency)
- 2 eggs (eggs help bind the ingredients)
- 1 tbsp breadcrumbs (to add a little crunch)
- Salt, pepper, nutmeg and allspice (spices are essential for a harmonious taste)
- Frying oil (choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as sunflower oil)

For the onions:
- 1 lb onions (you can use white or yellow onions, each providing a different flavor)
- Bouillon: 1 part vinegar, 3 parts water, salt, pepper, allspice, juniper, bay leaf (the bouillon will add an acidic contrast to balance the taste of the meatballs)

For the mayonnaise:
- 2 cooked yolks (make sure they are cooked to the ideal point to avoid an overly pronounced egg flavor)
- 1 raw yolk (this will emulsify the mayonnaise)
- 300 ml oil (sunflower oil is ideal, but experiment with olive oil for a more intense taste)
- Lemon juice (freshly squeezed for a vibrant taste)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the meatballs:
- Start by preparing the meat. Cut the beef and ribs into cubes and place them in a food processor. Add the slices of bread, the mashed breadcrumbs, the chopped onion, eggs and breadcrumbs. Season with salt, pepper, nutmeg and allspice. Mix well until smooth, but not too fine; it's important to keep a little texture.
- Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized balls. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little breadcrumbs.

2. Frying the patties:
- In a deep skillet, heat the oil. Test the temperature by adding a small piece of batter; if it starts to sizzle, it's ready.
- Fry the patties on all sides until golden brown. It's best not to crowd the pan so they fry evenly. Remove to a paper towel to remove excess oil.

3. Preparing the onions:
- Cut julienne onions and place them in a vinegar bath (combining vinegar with water, salt, pepper, allspice, juniper and bay leaf) for about 15 minutes to soften and flavor.
- Once the onion has been in the bath, drain well and fry in a pan with a little oil until golden and caramelized.

4. Making the mayonnaise:
- In a bowl, mix the cooked yolks with the raw. Add the oil gradually, stirring constantly with a whisk or hand mixer until the mayonnaise begins to thicken.
- Finally, add the lemon juice, adjusting the taste to taste.

5. Assembly:
- Once the patties have cooled, combine them with the caramelized onions and prepared mayonnaise. Stir gently to avoid destroying the shape of the meatballs.

6. Serving:
- Serve the pifteluettes on a platter, garnished with fresh parsley leaves or lemon slices. They go perfectly with a fresh green salad or a side of grilled vegetables.

Useful tips:
- You can experiment with different meats, such as chicken or turkey, for lighter options.
- If you want to save time, you can prepare the meatballs the day before and store them in the fridge. You can reheat them gently in the oven before serving.
- Instead of mayonnaise, try a yogurt sauce with garlic and dill for a lighter and refreshing alternative.

FAQs:
- Can I use store-bought mincemeat?
Yes, it's a convenient option, but make sure you choose quality meat for best results.

- What garnishes go best with these meatballs?
A fresh salad or mashed potatoes are great combinations. A tomato sauce or hot sauce can also add extra flavor.

Nutritional benefits:
These patties are high in protein thanks to the meat and eggs, and the onions add important fiber, vitamins and minerals. Home-made mayonnaise, although higher in calories, offers a natural taste with no added preservatives.

Calories: Approximately 300 kcal per portion (depending on portion size and ingredients used).

All in all, pifteluettes with mayonnaise and caramelized onions are a great choice for any occasion, bringing a dash of flavour to everyday life. Don't forget to experiment and put your personal stamp on this recipe! Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: 1 kg beef 300g ribs sautéed onion 2-3 slices of bread soaked in water or milk 2 eggs 1 tablespoon breadcrumbs salt, pepper, nutmeg, allspice oil for frying 1 kg onion Marinade: 1 part vinegar 3 parts water, pepper, allspice, bay leaf Mayonnaise: 2 boiled egg yolks 1 raw yolk 300 ml oil lemon juice