A meatball is simply well-ground meat, combined with onions and spices. Its shape varies - from flat to spherical. The methods of preparation also very. Meatballs can be fried, grilled or baked in the oven. Some folks even crumb or boil them.
When it comes to meatballs, it is important to note that they can be made not only from meat. There are all sorts of meatballs made from vegetables, potatoes, spinach, zucchini, chickpeas and even fish.
In some countries, making meatballs is ingrained in traditional cuisine. Mince is often ground using a meat grinder from fatty pork and beef, in a 6:4 ratio.
Carabao, sheep, donkey, horse and wild game meats can also be used. The use of fatty pork meat is universal but pork lard also works as a substitute. Generally, meatballs without pork fat end up dry.
In every country, traditional meatballs are made a specific way. In Turkey for example, they use beef and lamb meat.
The preparation of the mince continues, by adding wet bread from the center of the loaf, salt, ripe and green onions and an egg to the already ground meat. The result is kneaded well. Various spices are added to the mince depending on the region in the country.
Such include parsley, black pepper, savory and/or cumin. If the recipe requires it, rice, grated potatoes or cheese can also be added. When frying the meatballs, they must be rolled in flour beforehand.
Besides the typically-made meatballs, there are also a few other varieties. They can be labeled depending on the spices used. Meatballs seasoned with a lot of cayenne pepper, for example, are called "nervous meatballs". "Tatar" meatballs are of a larger size and contain melted cheese and a chili pepper, and sometimes even mushrooms, pickles, allspice and beer.
Mince for meatballs
Ingredients: 17.64 oz of minced meat (60% beef and 40% pork), 1 head of onions, 1 slice of bread, salt, savory, paprika and black pepper, allspice (optional).
Preparation: Grate union and knead it with the ground meat. Soak the soft part of the bread and also add it. In a glass of warm water, dissolve 1/2 a spoon of salt and add it to the mixture.
Season with savory, a pinch of paprika and black pepper and cumin if desired. Knead the mince thoroughly and leave it overnight in the refrigerator. If you don't have that much time, 1 to 2 hours will suffice.
