Marinated meatballs

Marinated meatballs with mayonnaise and pickled onion

Who can resist a serving of tender, flavorful meatballs, accompanied by creamy mayonnaise and a garnish of pickled onion? This recipe is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing for adaptations based on individual preferences. Whether served as an appetizer at a festive meal or as a main dish on an ordinary evening, these meatballs are sure to become a family favorite.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

For the meatballs:
- 500 g minced meat (preferably beef or pork)
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ onion
- ½ potato
- 3 slices of white bread
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 3 tablespoons of flour
- 10 tablespoons of breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon of Delikat or another meatball seasoning

For the mayonnaise:
- 4 hard-boiled eggs
- 2 raw eggs
- 600 ml oil (preferably sunflower oil)
- 1 tablespoon of extra mustard
- 2 onions, finely sliced (or 2 pickles and 2 pickled peppers)

Preparation instructions

Step 1: Preparing the meatballs
1. In a large bowl, add the minced meat, egg, salt, pepper, grated onion, and grated potato (make sure to grate them finely for better integration into the mixture).
2. Soak the slices of bread in water, then squeeze them well to remove excess liquid, and add them to the bowl.
3. Add the minced garlic, flour, and breadcrumbs, then sprinkle the Delikat (or meatball seasoning) for extra flavor.
4. Mix all the ingredients with your hands until the mixture becomes homogeneous. It’s important not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.

Step 2: Shaping and frying the meatballs
1. With wet hands, form balls of appropriate size (about the size of a walnut) from the mixture.
2. Roll each ball in breadcrumbs or potato flakes for a crispy crust.
3. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. When the oil is hot, carefully add the meatballs, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
4. Fry them until golden on all sides, about 3-4 minutes on each side. After frying, place them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

Step 3: Preparing the mayonnaise
1. Grate the hard-boiled eggs through a fine sieve into a bowl.
2. Add the mustard and raw eggs, mixing well with a whisk.
3. Start pouring the oil gradually, continuing to mix vigorously to form an emulsion.
4. When the mayonnaise becomes thick and creamy, add 2-3 tablespoons of cold water to cut the fat, mixing well.

Step 4: Preparing the pickled onion
1. In a small pot, boil a cup of water, add ½ cup of vinegar, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the finely sliced onion and let it boil for 5 minutes, then drain and let it cool.
3. If you prefer, you can replace the onion with diced pickled peppers for a milder version.

Assembly and serving
1. Mix the mayonnaise with a pinch of salt and pepper, then add the pickled onion or your preferred pickled vegetables.
2. Place the mixture on a platter, topping it with the meatballs.
3. Garnish with sliced hard-boiled egg whites and olives for an attractive presentation.

Serving suggestions
These marinated meatballs are excellent alongside a fresh summer salad or a side of mashed potatoes. A cold drink, such as a dry white wine or fresh lemonade, will perfectly complement the meal.

Nutritional information
A serving of marinated meatballs contains approximately 450 calories. They are a good source of protein and provide carbohydrates from bread and potatoes, but it is important to consume them in moderation, considering the fat content from the mayonnaise.

Possible variations
For a healthier version, you can bake the meatballs instead of frying them. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius, place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use chicken or turkey?
Yes, you can use minced chicken or turkey for a leaner option, adjusting the seasonings to taste.

2. How can I make the mayonnaise healthier?
Replace sunflower oil with extra virgin olive oil for a more refined taste and enhanced nutritional benefits.

3. Can I freeze the meatballs?
Yes, the meatballs can be frozen before frying. Place them on a tray, freezing them individually, then put them in an airtight container. When you want to serve them, fry them directly from the freezer.

These marinated meatballs are more than just a dish; they are a symbol of conviviality and the joy of sharing special moments with loved ones. Try this recipe and enjoy its delicious flavors!

 Ingredients: Meatballs: 500 g minced meat, 1 egg, salt, pepper, 1/2 onion, 1/2 potato, 3 slices of white bread, 2 cloves of garlic, 3 tablespoons of flour, 10 tablespoons of breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon of seasoning or any powder for meatballs. Mayonnaise: 4 boiled eggs, 2 raw eggs, 600 ml oil, 1 tablespoon of extra mustard, 2 finely chopped onions or 2 pickled cucumbers and 2 pickled peppers.