Crispy Rustic Italian Meatballs with Pecorino and Mortadella

Rustic Fried Meatballs (Polpette Fritte Rustiche)
Category: Main Courses
Servings: 6

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bread:
   Begin by removing the crust from the country-style bread. Cut the bread into chunks and place them in a food processor to crumble into small pieces. Set this aside to be added to the meat mixture.

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2. Mix the Meats:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, crumbled sausage (without the casing), and finely chopped mortadella. This creates the hearty meat base for the meatballs. Mix them thoroughly to ensure the flavors meld together.

3. Add Fresh Ingredients:
   Finely chop the fresh parsley and add it to the meat mixture. This will add a fresh, herby flavor to the rustic meatballs.

4. Season the Mixture:
   Next, incorporate the seasonings. Add a pinch of salt, a dash of black pepper, freshly grated nutmeg, and finely chopped wild fennel (if available). These aromatic ingredients will bring out the robust flavors in the meatballs. Grate both the Pecorino and Grana Padano cheeses into the mixture for a rich, savory depth.

5. Add Garlic and Eggs:
   Mince a garlic clove and add it to the mixture along with the two beaten eggs. The eggs will help bind the mixture together, ensuring that the meatballs hold their shape while frying. Mix everything until all ingredients are well incorporated and you have a smooth, cohesive dough.

6. Shape the Meatballs:
   Take a generous amount of the meat mixture and roll it into balls or ovals. The size of the meatballs can be adjusted to your liking, but they should be large enough to cook evenly. Once shaped, roll each meatball in breadcrumbs to give them a crunchy exterior when fried.

7. Fry the Meatballs:
   Heat a generous amount of peanut oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the meatballs in the pan, making sure not to overcrowd them. Fry the meatballs in batches if necessary. Turn them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly on all sides and become golden brown and crispy.

8. Serve and Enjoy:
   Once the meatballs are fried to perfection, remove them from the pan and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve the rustic fried meatballs hot, garnished with extra fresh parsley if desired. These meatballs are perfect on their own or served alongside a fresh salad or a side of mashed potatoes.

Tips:

• If you prefer a less greasy option, you can also bake the meatballs in the oven. Simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
• For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the meat mixture.
• These meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making them perfect for meal prep.

These rustic fried meatballs, with their rich combination of meats, cheeses, and aromatic herbs, are a comforting dish that brings warmth to any meal. Enjoy the satisfying crunch and hearty flavors with your family and friends!