Meatballs Ala Angela: A Delicious European-Style Recipe
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Category: Meat
Keywords: European, Less than 60 minutes
Description:
Meatballs are a beloved dish, with many variations found around the world. In this recipe, I share my personal take on meatballs, which I typically use in an Italian red sauce. While the meatballs themselves are flavorful and delicious, the magic happens when they cook slowly in the sauce. The longer they simmer, the richer the flavors become, creating a comforting and savory dish. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, and I hope you enjoy it as much as my family does. Buon Appetito!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Eggs | 1 |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 2 |
| Fresh parsley (chopped) | 1/4 – 1/2 cup |
| Fresh Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Pecorino Romano cheese | 1/3 cup |
| Oregano (dried) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Kosher salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Stale Italian bread | 1 slice (soaked in water) |
Nutritional Information (Per Meatball)
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 64.5 kcal |
| Fat Content | 2.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 30.9 mg |
| Sodium | 220.9 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 6.9 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugar | 0.2 g |
| Protein | 3.7 g |
Instructions
-
Soak the Bread
Begin by taking a slice of stale Italian bread and soaking it in water until it becomes soft and a little mushy. This step helps to bind the meatballs and gives them a tender texture. -
Squeeze the Excess Water
Once the bread has softened, remove it from the water and squeeze out any excess liquid. It’s essential to ensure that the bread isn’t too soggy, as it can affect the texture of the meatballs. -
Prepare the Meatball Mixture
Place the soaked bread into a large bowl. Add the following ingredients: eggs, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, fresh parsley, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, Pecorino Romano cheese, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly using your hands, ensuring the ingredients are well incorporated into the bread. -
Form the Meatballs
Once the mixture is evenly combined, take small portions of it and shape them into meatballs with your hands. You can make the meatballs as small or large as you like. For reference, golf ball-sized meatballs tend to be a good size for even cooking. This recipe yields approximately 12 meatballs, but if you make smaller ones, you’ll get more. -
Cook the Meatballs
Heat a large frying pan or skillet over medium heat and add about a 1/4 cup of olive oil. Allow the oil to heat up before adding the meatballs to the pan. Brown the meatballs evenly on all sides. Be mindful of the temperatureโyou don’t want the meatballs to burn, so adjust the heat as needed. For a slower, more controlled cooking process, I prefer to set the flame lower. It may take a bit longer, but it prevents the meatballs from getting burnt. -
Simmer in Sauce
Once the meatballs are browned, you can transfer them into your favorite Italian red sauce. Let them simmer in the sauce for at least 30 minutes for the best flavor, though cooking them for several hours will intensify the taste. If you’re short on time, you can add the raw meatballs directly into the sauce and cook them for a quicker meal.
Tips for Best Results
-
Bread Soaking: Make sure the bread is fully soaked but not overly saturated. You want it to break down easily but not become a mushy mess.
-
Even Cooking: When frying the meatballs, resist the temptation to move them around too much in the pan. Let them sit for a minute or two on each side to achieve a beautiful, even brown.
-
Flame Control: Cooking the meatballs on medium-low heat may take longer, but it ensures that they cook through without burning.
Final Thoughts
Meatballs Ala Angela are a wonderful addition to your culinary repertoire. Whether you serve them with pasta, in a sub sandwich, or simply as an appetizer, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The simplicity of the ingredients combined with the slow cooking process allows for the flavors to meld perfectly. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your family as it does to mine. Enjoy your delicious homemade meatballs, and don’t forget to pair them with a warm Italian sauce for the ultimate meal!
