Meatball Sandwiches Recipe (Panino con Polpette)
Category: Main Dishes
Serves: 4
This delicious Panino con Polpette is a perfect combination of freshly baked bread, juicy meatballs, and a rich tomato sauce, ideal for any occasion. The hearty meatballs are seasoned to perfection and served in soft, homemade bread that’s golden and crispy. With a fresh sprinkle of basil and grated Grana Padano cheese, these sandwiches are simply irresistible!
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Semolina flour (farina di grano duro) | 300g |
| All-purpose flour (farina 0) | 200g |
| Water | 390g |
| Fresh yeast (lievito di birra fresco) | 2g |
| Fine salt (sale fino) | 10g |
| Ground pork (carne di suino) | 400g |
| Tomato passata (passata di pomodoro) | 500g |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Breadcrumbs (pane grattugiato) | 50g |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Parsley (prezzemolo) | 1 bunch |
| Grana Padano DOP cheese | 15g |
| Extra virgin olive oil (olio extravergine d’oliva) | 20g |
| Red onions (cipolle rosse) | 25g |
| Salt (sale fino) | q.b. |
| Fresh basil (basilico) | q.b. |
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Begin by preparing the dough for the sandwich bread. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and semolina flour.
- Add a little warm water to begin mixing the dough, slowly adding the remaining water while continuing to combine with your hands.
- Once the dough starts to come together, knead for a few minutes until smooth. Add the salt during this process to evenly incorporate it.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise at room temperature, away from drafts, for 8-10 hours, or until it doubles in size. This may vary depending on the season and room temperature.
Step 2: Shape the Dough
- After the dough has risen, transfer it onto a well-floured surface and gently stretch it into a rectangle, about 20×30 cm (don’t worry about the exact size).
- Sprinkle more semolina flour on top of the dough and cut it into 4 equal portions using a dough scraper or knife.
- Place the dough portions onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Dust them with more semolina flour and cover with a kitchen towel. Let them rise for another hour.
Step 3: Prepare the Meatballs
- While the dough is rising, start preparing the meatballs. In a bowl, combine the ground pork, eggs, breadcrumbs, and finely chopped garlic.
- Season with salt and add the grated Grana Padano cheese. Mix thoroughly to create a smooth, compact mixture.
- Divide the mixture into 14 portions, each weighing around 40g, and roll them into balls. Place the formed meatballs onto a tray.
Step 4: Cook the Meatballs
- Finely chop the red onions and sauté them in a pan with extra virgin olive oil until soft and translucent.
- Add the meatballs to the pan, seasoning with salt and fresh basil. Cover and cook until golden and cooked through. Remove from heat and keep warm.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F) on the convection setting.
- Place the risen dough portions on the second rack from the bottom in the preheated oven. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the bread is golden and slightly crispy. Oven times may vary, so check for your preferred level of golden brown.
Step 6: Assemble the Sandwiches
- Once the bread is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing each portion in half.
- Spoon some tomato sauce (passata) onto the bottom of each bread slice. Then, add the cooked meatballs, topping them with a generous sprinkle of Grana Padano cheese and fresh basil leaves.
- Close the sandwiches and serve immediately while warm.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 550 kcal |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbohydrates | 50g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 600mg |
These Panini con Polpette are a delightful and satisfying dish that brings together the simple pleasures of freshly baked bread, savory meatballs, and tangy tomato sauce. Perfect for a family meal or a casual gathering, these sandwiches are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy with a side salad or a few crispy fries to complete the meal!
