Celery Meatballs – A Delicious Twist on a Classic Dish
If you’re looking for a flavorful, hearty, and unique dish to impress your guests or to prepare for a family meal, look no further than Celery Meatballs. This dish offers a delightful combination of celery, Parmesan, and aromatic herbs, all bathed in a rich homemade tomato sauce. Whether served as an appetizer or as a main course, these meatballs will undoubtedly steal the show.
Ingredients:
For the meatballs:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Celery (fresh, cleaned) | 600g |
| Bread (stale, cut into pieces) | 200g |
| Parmesan Reggiano DOP (grated) | 100g |
| Egg | 1 |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Breadcrumbs (optional) | 180g |
| Sunflower oil (for frying) | To taste |
| Fresh parsley (chopped) | To taste |
For the tomato sauce:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Passata di pomodoro (tomato passata) | 750g |
| Garlic cloves (peeled) | 2 |
| Extra virgin olive oil | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Tomato Sauce
- Begin by preparing your tomato sauce. Heat a few tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large frying pan over moderate heat.
- Add the garlic cloves (left in their skins) and sauté briefly until they release their aroma, making sure they don’t burn.
- Pour in the passata di pomodoro (tomato passata) and stir to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Cover the pan with a lid and let the sauce cook for around 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow simmer allows the flavors to develop.
- At the end of the cooking time, remove the garlic cloves from the sauce and discard them. Set the sauce aside.
Step 2: Preparing the Celery Meatballs
- While the sauce is simmering, start preparing the celery meatballs. Fill a pot with salted water and bring it to a boil.
- Clean the celery by removing the base of the stalks and roughly chop them into smaller pieces. You will need about 400g of cleaned celery.
- Once the water is boiling, add the celery and cook for about 10 minutes until tender.
- While the celery cooks, cut the bread into pieces. When the celery is ready, drain it and allow it to cool slightly. Then, finely chop the celery with a knife.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped celery with Parmesan Reggiano, the crumbled bread, and the egg. Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should hold together when pressed. If it’s too wet, you can add a little more crumbled bread.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs, each about the size of a large walnut. Roll each meatball in the remaining breadcrumbs to coat them evenly.
Step 3: Frying the Meatballs
- In a deep pan or pot, heat sunflower oil to 170°C (340°F) using a kitchen thermometer.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add 3-4 meatballs at a time, frying them for about 2 minutes or until golden brown on all sides.
- Remove the meatballs and drain them on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
Step 4: Serving
- To serve, place a generous amount of the homemade tomato sauce on each plate as a base.
- Arrange the freshly fried celery meatballs on top of the sauce.
- Finish by garnishing with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for an added burst of flavor and color.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Protein | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 26g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5g |
| Sodium | 450mg |
Tips & Variations:
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the meatball mixture a day in advance, forming the meatballs and storing them in the fridge. Fry them fresh before serving for the best texture.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Herb Variations: If you’re not a fan of parsley, feel free to substitute with fresh basil, thyme, or oregano for a different flavor profile.
Why You’ll Love These Celery Meatballs:
The celery meatballs are a wonderful way to add some green into your meal while maintaining a comforting, satisfying texture. Paired with the rich tomato sauce, they provide a hearty yet light meal perfect for any occasion. The freshness of the celery paired with the sharpness of the Parmesan creates a delightful contrast, while the crispy fried exterior offers the perfect bite. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a gathering, these meatballs will surely become a favorite!
