Meatballs

Meatballs with Beef and Herbs recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4

Introduction

The kitchen is a magical place, where flavors intertwine and simple ingredients become true delights. Today we're venturing into a classic, but ever-loved recipe: meatballs with beef and herbs. These meatballs are crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside, and are perfectly served with buttered roast potatoes. Whether served at a family meal or an evening out with friends, these meatballs are sure to bring smiles to everyone's faces.

A bit of history

Meatballs, in their various shapes and combinations, have been prepared for centuries. Their origins are lost in the mists of time, but they are a perfect example of how cooking has evolved through cultural influences and available ingredients. Many cultures have adopted this method of turning meats and herbs into small delicacies, giving each recipe a personal touch.

Ingredients

- 500 g minced beef
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 egg
- Salt, pepper and oregano to taste
- 2 tablespoons oil (olive or sunflower)
- 2 tbsp ouzo (a Greek alcoholic drink, but can be omitted for a non-alcoholic version)
- 1 medium onion
- A few fresh mint leaves
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 2 slices of bread soaked in milk
- Flour for rolling the meatballs
- Oil for frying
- 3 medium potatoes
- 5 tablespoons butter

Preparation

1. Start by preparing the ingredients. Finely mince the garlic cloves, onion, mint, parsley and dill. These herbs will add a fresh and vibrant flavor to your meatballs.

2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with the oil and ouzo. If you don't have ouzo on hand or prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can omit this ingredient or replace it with a little lemon juice for extra acidity.

3. Add the herb and vegetable mixture to the meat bowl. Now it's time to add salt, pepper and oregano to taste. It's important to taste the mixture before forming the meatballs to make sure the flavors are balanced.

4. To add extra texture, soak two slices of well-drined bread in milk (or water if you prefer) and add them to the meat mixture. This will make the meatballs softer and juicier.

5. Cover the bowl with cling film and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This step allows the flavors to develop and helps the meat firm up, making the meatballs easier to form.

6. Once the mixture has been in the fridge, take it out and form the meatballs. You can make the meatballs larger or smaller, depending on your preference. Roll each meatball in flour, making sure they are well coated. This will give them a crispy crust when frying.

7. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and fry on both sides until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per side. Do not crowd the pan so the meatballs fry evenly.

8. Meanwhile, prepare the potatoes. Peel, dice and boil in salted water for 10-15 minutes until soft. Once boiled, drain and fry in butter until browned and crispy.

9. Serve the meatballs warm with the fries. You can add a fresh green salad or garlic yoghurt sauce for extra freshness.

Practical tips

- If you want to add a spicy touch to your meatballs, you can incorporate a little chopped chili pepper or chili flakes.
- Instead of beef, use chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
- If you have more herbs on hand, feel free to experiment. Basil or coriander can provide an interesting and different flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I freeze the meatballs?
Yes, meatballs can be frozen. Make sure they are completely chilled before putting them in an airtight container. You can fry them straight from the freezer, but you will need to give them a few minutes extra cooking time.

2. What can I serve the meatballs with?
These meatballs are delicious with gravy, mashed potatoes or a side of grilled vegetables. You can also create a meatball sandwich by adding salad and your favorite sauces.

3. How many calories are in a portion of meatballs?
One portion of meatballs (4-5 pieces) contains about 300-350 calories, depending on the preparation method and ingredients used.

Nutritional benefits

Beef is an excellent source of protein, iron and B-complex vitamins essential for a healthy body. And fresh herbs not only add flavor, but also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Plus, butter fries provide a dose of carbohydrates and healthy fats that will give you energy for the day.

In conclusion, beef and herb meatballs are not only a quick and simple recipe, but also a perfect opportunity to enjoy cooking with your loved ones. I dare you to try this recipe and enjoy every crispy and flavorful bite! Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: 500 g ground beef, 3 cloves of garlic, 1 egg, salt, pepper, and oregano to taste, 2 tablespoons of oil, 2 tablespoons of ouzo, 1 onion, a few mint leaves, parsley and dill, 2 slices of bread soaked in milk, flour for coating the meatballs, oil for frying, 3 potatoes, 5 tablespoons of butter.