Carnatzlach – Romanian Meatballs 🇷🇴
Overview:
Carnatzlach, also known as Romanian Meatballs, are savory delights bursting with flavor, perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or entertaining unexpected guests, these meaty treats will surely impress. With a preparation time of just 20 minutes and a total cook time of 35 minutes, they are a convenient option for busy days. Plus, they freeze exceptionally well, offering a quick and delicious meal whenever you need it. 🍽️
Ingredients:
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delectable Carnatzlach:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 1/2 lbs |
| Onion | 1 large |
| Carrot | 1 medium |
| Garlic | 3 cloves |
| Marjoram | 1 tsp |
| Savory | 1 tsp |
| Sage | 1 tsp |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/4 tsp |
| Flour | 3 tbsp |
| Paprika | 1/2 tsp |
Instructions:
Let’s dive into the cooking process step by step:
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Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that it’s ready to go once your meatballs are prepared.
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Prepare Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients except for the flour and paprika. This includes the ground beef, finely chopped onion, grated carrot, minced garlic, and a delightful blend of marjoram, savory, and sage. Crack in the eggs, sprinkle with salt and black pepper, and mix everything together until well-combined.
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Shape Meatballs: With clean hands, knead the mixture until it reaches a consistency that can easily be formed into balls. Then, roll the mixture into golf-ball sized meatballs. But here’s where the magic happens – elongate each meatball into rolls, approximately 3/4 inch in diameter and 2 to 3 inches long, tapering at each end. This unique shape enhances both the presentation and texture of the Carnatzlach.
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Coat in Flour and Paprika: Prepare a mixture of flour and paprika in a shallow bowl. Roll each meat roll in this mixture until evenly coated. This step adds a delightful crust and a subtle hint of spice to the meatballs.
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Broil to Perfection: Place the coated meat rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Then, pop them under the broiler set to moderate heat. Make sure to turn the rolls occasionally to ensure they brown evenly on all sides. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning, as they typically take around 15 minutes to cook through and develop a beautiful golden crust.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked to perfection, remove the Carnatzlach from the oven and serve them hot alongside your favorite dipping sauce or as part of a hearty meal. They’re guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends alike!
Nutritional Information:
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving:
- Calories: 302.2
- Fat: 18.8g
- Saturated Fat: 7.2g
- Cholesterol: 147.6mg
- Sodium: 495.4mg
- Carbohydrates: 7.7g
- Fiber: 1.1g
- Sugar: 1.8g
- Protein: 24.1g
Serving Suggestions:
Carnatzlach are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are a few serving suggestions to spark your culinary creativity:
- Classic Combo: Serve the meatballs alongside mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables for a comforting, well-balanced meal.
- Party Pleaser: As mentioned, these meatballs make fantastic finger food for cocktail parties. Simply serve them with toothpicks and a selection of dipping sauces for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
- Pasta Perfection: Toss the meatballs with your favorite pasta and marinara sauce for a hearty and satisfying pasta dish that’s sure to be a family favorite.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make-Ahead: Take advantage of the convenience factor by preparing a large batch of Carnatzlach ahead of time and freezing them for future use. Simply thaw and reheat whenever hunger strikes!
- Customize Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to tailor the flavor profile of the meatballs to your liking. From cumin to thyme, the possibilities are endless!
- Serve with Sauce: Elevate the flavor of the Carnatzlach by serving them with a variety of sauces, such as tzatziki, marinara, or sweet chili sauce. The sauce adds an extra layer of flavor and moisture to the dish.
So there you have it – a tantalizing recipe for Carnatzlach that’s sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Whether enjoyed as a cozy family dinner or served as elegant party fare, these Romanian Meatballs are guaranteed to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more. Happy cooking! 🍴🎉
