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Aunt Lil’s Spinach Balls

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🥦🍽️ Aunt Lil’s Spinach Balls 🥦🍽️

What is it?
Aunt Lil’s Spinach Balls are a delicious and savory appetizer or side dish made from a mixture of spinach, cheese, breadcrumbs, and various seasonings. They are typically baked to a golden brown and served as bite-sized snacks or alongside your favorite dishes.

History:
The origin of Aunt Lil’s Spinach Balls is somewhat elusive, but similar recipes have been popular for decades. Spinach-based appetizers have been enjoyed in various forms in different cuisines around the world. These spinach balls likely evolved from such traditional recipes and gained popularity as a tasty and convenient party treat.

Components:

  • Spinach: Fresh or frozen spinach is a key ingredient. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly, and if using fresh, blanch and chop it finely.
  • Breadcrumbs: They provide texture and help bind the mixture together.
  • Cheese: Usually a combination of Parmesan and cheddar cheese is used, but you can experiment with different types for varied flavors.
  • Eggs: Eggs act as a binder to hold the mixture together.
  • Seasonings: You’ll typically need ingredients like garlic, onion, salt, pepper, and sometimes additional spices like nutmeg for added flavor.

Steps to Prepare:

  1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Thaw and drain frozen spinach or blanch and finely chop fresh spinach. Ensure it’s as dry as possible to prevent excess moisture in the mixture.

  2. Mixing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the spinach, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan and cheddar cheese, minced garlic, chopped onions, and any desired seasonings. Add a couple of beaten eggs to help bind the mixture.

  3. Shaping: Roll the mixture into small balls, about the size of a walnut, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or greased lightly to prevent sticking.

  4. Baking: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and firm to the touch. Be sure to turn them once during baking for even browning.

  5. Serve: Once they’re done, serve Aunt Lil’s Spinach Balls hot with your favorite dipping sauce, like marinara, ranch, or a simple garlic aioli.

Time Needed:
The total time required to prepare Aunt Lil’s Spinach Balls can vary, but on average, it takes around 45 minutes to an hour. This includes preparation, baking time, and serving. It’s a delightful and savory treat that’s worth the effort!

Enjoy making and savoring Aunt Lil’s Spinach Balls! 🌱🧀🥖🍴😋

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Aunt Lil’s Spinach Balls:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate Values for a single spinach ball):

  • Calories: Approximately 50-60 calories per ball.
  • Protein: About 2-3 grams per ball.
  • Carbohydrates: Approximately 4-6 grams per ball.
  • Fat: Around 3-4 grams per ball.
  • Fiber: 1-2 grams per ball.
  • Sodium: Varies depending on the amount of salt used but is generally moderate.
  • Vitamins and Minerals: Aunt Lil’s Spinach Balls are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin K, and calcium due to the spinach and cheese.

Health Information:

  1. Vegetable Enrichment: Aunt Lil’s Spinach Balls are a flavorful way to incorporate more leafy greens (spinach) into your diet, providing essential vitamins and minerals. Spinach is rich in vitamin A, vitamin K, folate, and iron.

  2. Protein and Fiber: The combination of spinach, cheese, and breadcrumbs in these balls provides a moderate amount of protein and fiber, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.

  3. Moderate Calories: These spinach balls are relatively low in calories, making them a suitable snack or appetizer option if you’re mindful of your calorie intake.

  4. Calcium: The inclusion of cheese adds calcium to the recipe, which is important for maintaining strong bones and teeth.

  5. Nutrient Variation: You can make Aunt Lil’s Spinach Balls healthier by using whole wheat breadcrumbs, reducing cheese, or adding more fresh herbs and spices for flavor without excess salt.

  6. Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes, as overindulging in these tasty treats can lead to excessive calorie intake.

While Aunt Lil’s Spinach Balls can be a flavorful addition to your menu, it’s essential to enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Additionally, you can adjust the recipe to suit your specific dietary needs or preferences, such as using low-fat cheese or reducing sodium for a healthier version. 🌱🧀🥖🍽️🥦

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