Arugula Meatballs: A Delicious Italian Starter
A delightful twist on traditional meatballs, these Arugula Meatballs (Polpette di Rucola) bring a burst of freshness and flavor with the addition of peppery arugula. Perfect as a starter or appetizer, these crispy, golden meatballs are packed with rich, savory taste, thanks to a blend of lean veal, Grana Padano cheese, and aromatic garlic. If you’re looking for a new, exciting dish for your next gathering or family dinner, this recipe will surely impress!
Ingredients:
| Ingredient |
Quantity |
| Veal (ground) |
300g |
| Fresh Arugula |
80g |
| Grana Padano DOP (grated) |
40g |
| Egg |
1 |
| Garlic (clove) |
1 |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil |
20g |
| Fine Salt |
A pinch |
| Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs |
50g |
| Sunflower Oil (for frying) |
As needed |
| Fresh Arugula (for serving) |
100g |
Instructions:
| Step |
Description |
| Step 1: |
Begin by washing and drying the arugula. Once dry, finely chop it with a knife. |
| Step 2: |
In a pan, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and gently sauté the garlic. Once fragrant, add the chopped arugula and cook for about 2-3 minutes until wilted. |
| Step 3: |
In a large mixing bowl, add the ground veal, grated Grana Padano, egg, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. |
| Step 4: |
Take about 30g of the mixture and shape it into small meatballs. Repeat until all the mixture is used up. |
| Step 5: |
Heat sunflower oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the meatballs for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy. |
| Step 6: |
Once fried, use a slotted spoon to remove the meatballs from the oil and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil. |
| Step 7: |
Serve your Arugula Meatballs on a bed of fresh arugula for an extra burst of flavor and freshness. Enjoy! |
Serving Tips:
- These meatballs can be served as a starter or appetizer alongside a refreshing salad or as part of a more substantial meal.
- Pair them with a light white wine or sparkling water to complement the fresh flavors of the arugula.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 1 meatball):
| Nutrient |
Amount |
| Calories |
90 kcal |
| Protein |
7g |
| Fat |
6g |
| Carbohydrates |
3g |
| Fiber |
1g |
| Sodium |
150mg |
These Arugula Meatballs combine the best of Italian flavors with the freshness of greens. The result is a deliciously crispy exterior with a tender, savory interior. Serve them as a mouthwatering appetizer or share them with friends and family as a snack. Whether you’re looking for something to start off a meal or simply craving a light, flavorful dish, these meatballs will hit the spot!
