Meatballs with Potatoes (Polpette di Carne e Patate)
Category: Main Course
Serves: 25 pieces
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground Beef | 500g |
| Potatoes (for the meatballs) | 160g |
| Grana Padano Cheese (DOP) | 30g |
| Breadcrumbs | 30g |
| Egg | 1 |
| Fresh Parsley | to taste |
| Salt | to taste |
| Black Pepper | to taste |
| Potatoes (for the side) | 800g |
| Rosemary | 2 sprigs |
| Sage | 6 leaves |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 30g |
| Salt | to taste |
| Black Pepper | to taste |
Instructions:
To make these delicious Meatballs with Potatoes, let’s begin with the potatoes for the meatball mixture. Start by placing the indicated quantity of potatoes in a pot with salted water. Bring it to a boil and cook for about 40 minutes. Check their doneness by piercing them with a fork; if the tines easily go in, they are ready.
Now, let’s focus on the potatoes for the side dish. After washing and peeling them, place them in a pot of boiling salted water (add a tablespoon of coarse salt). Season them with salt and pepper, and toss in the sage leaves and rosemary sprigs. Stir the ingredients gently and let them absorb the flavors. When the potatoes are cooked through, drain them and peel them while still hot. Mash them well.
Next, add the egg, salt, a pinch of pepper, breadcrumbs, and the Grana Padano cheese to the mashed potatoes. Mix everything thoroughly to create a well-blended dough.
Now, take small portions of the mixture, about 30g each, and roll them into meatballs.
For baking, lightly grease a baking dish with a bit of olive oil, and place the meatballs inside, rolling them around so they are lightly coated in the oil. Add the mashed potatoes with their seasonings into the baking dish around the meatballs.
To finish, turn on the grill (or increase the oven temperature) during the last 5 minutes of cooking to form a crispy, golden crust on both the meatballs and the potatoes.
Serving Suggestion:
These meatballs with potatoes are perfect for any occasion. Serve them as a hearty main course paired with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information:
(Approximate values per serving, based on 25 pieces)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 7g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Carbohydrates | 13g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 180mg |
Tips for Success:
- Make sure the potatoes are well-cooked before mashing them to get the perfect texture for the meatball mixture.
- For extra flavor, you can add a touch of garlic or grated Parmesan to the meatballs or the potatoes.
- These meatballs can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.
Enjoy these mouthwatering, golden-crusted meatballs with potatoes – a comforting and delicious meal the whole family will love!
