Taste the love: how to craft the perfect italian wedding soup meatballs
What To Know
- Instead of baking, you can fry the meatballs in a skillet until browned.
- You can insert a meat thermometer into the center of a meatball to ensure that it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Yes, you can make the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months.
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
2. Form Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the meatballs for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Add to Soup: Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to your favorite Italian wedding soup.
Tips for Making the Best Meatballs:
- Use a combination of ground beef and pork: This will give your meatballs a juicy and flavorful texture.
- Add bread crumbs: Bread crumbs absorb moisture and help bind the meatballs together.
- Use grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor to the meatballs.
- Chop fresh parsley: Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous flavor.
- Add milk: Milk helps tenderize the meatballs.
- Season with salt and pepper: Season the meatballs generously with salt and pepper for extra flavor.
- Bake until golden brown: The meatballs should be cooked through and have a slightly crispy exterior.
Variations:
- Add other spices: You can add additional spices to your meatballs, such as oregano, basil, or rosemary.
- Use different meats: You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork.
- Make smaller meatballs: If you want smaller meatballs, roll them into 1/2-inch balls.
- Fry the meatballs: Instead of baking, you can fry the meatballs in a skillet until browned.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the meatballs in Italian wedding soup.
- Serve the meatballs as an appetizer with marinara sauce.
- Add the meatballs to pasta dishes.
- Use the meatballs in sandwiches or wraps.
Storing Meatballs:
- Refrigerate: Cooked meatballs can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Cooked meatballs can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Meatballs:
- Microwave: Reheat the meatballs in the microwave for 30-60 seconds per meatball, or until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Reheat the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Reheat the meatballs for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef and pork?
A: Yes, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork.
Q: How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?
A: The meatballs should be browned on the outside and cooked through to the center. You can insert a meat thermometer into the center of a meatball to ensure that it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Q: Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat them before serving.