Caprese Meatballs: A Perfect Italian Antipasto
Category: Antipasti
Servings: 8
Caprese meatballs are a delightful fusion of fresh, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and a crunchy breadcrumb coating. They bring together the essence of a classic Caprese salad in a fun, bite-sized form, making them perfect for appetizers or as a light snack to accompany your meals. With their crispy exterior and soft, gooey center, these little treats are sure to impress at any gathering. Let’s dive into how to create this delicious dish!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cherry Tomatoes | 8 |
| Mozzarella Cherry Balls | 8 |
| Breadcrumbs | 100g |
| All-Purpose Flour | 100g |
| Eggs | 3 |
| Fine Salt | 1 pinch |
| Oregano | 1 tbsp |
| Sunflower Seed Oil | To taste (for frying) |
| Fresh Basil | To taste (for garnish) |
| Balsamic Vinegar | 100g (for reduction) |
Instructions
- Prep the Tomatoes: Start by washing the cherry tomatoes thoroughly. Dry them gently with a towel and slice each tomato in half.
- Stuff the Tomatoes: Carefully place a mozzarella ball into the center of each tomato half. Repeat this step for all the remaining tomatoes.
- Prepare the Breading Stations: In separate bowls, prepare your breading ingredients:
- In the first bowl, place the flour.
- In the second bowl, beat the eggs together with a pinch of salt.
- In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the oregano.
- Coat the Tomatoes: Take each stuffed tomato, dip it first in the flour, then in the egg mixture, and finally in the breadcrumb and oregano mix. Repeat this process, dipping each piece twice in the egg and breadcrumbs for an extra crispy coating.
- Fry the Meatballs: Heat sunflower oil in a frying pan over medium heat, aiming for a temperature of around 160°C (320°F). It should take about 3 minutes for the oil to heat up. Once the oil reaches the desired temperature, carefully place the breaded tomatoes in the oil, frying them in batches. Fry for about 3 minutes per batch, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Drain Excess Oil: Use a slotted spoon to remove the meatballs from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Prepare Balsamic Reduction: In a small saucepan, reduce the balsamic vinegar over low heat until it thickens slightly. This will enhance the flavor and add a sweet-tart drizzle over your meatballs.
- Serve: Arrange the fried Caprese meatballs on a serving dish. Drizzle the balsamic reduction over the top and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve warm and enjoy this crispy, cheesy delight!
Tips for the Perfect Caprese Meatballs
- Temperature of Oil: It’s essential to maintain the right oil temperature. If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks. If it’s too cool, the meatballs will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Balsamic Reduction: The balsamic vinegar should be reduced to a syrupy consistency. If you want a thicker glaze, reduce it further.
- Optional Variations: For an added twist, you can sprinkle some Parmesan cheese over the meatballs right before frying or mix some garlic powder into the breadcrumb coating for extra flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Protein | 8g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 250mg |
These Caprese meatballs offer a crispy exterior with a creamy mozzarella center, providing a burst of flavor in every bite. They’re a great choice for any event, be it a casual family dinner or a sophisticated cocktail party. Whether served hot out of the pan or chilled, they always manage to bring a little bit of Italian sunshine to your table!
