Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1/2 pound ground veal
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
Special Equipment Needed:
- Mixing bowl
- Food processor or blender
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, veal, and beef.
3. In a food processor or blender, pulse the breadcrumbs, milk, parsley, onion, and garlic until finely chopped.
4. Add the breadcrumb mixture to the meat mixture and mix well.
5. Beat the eggs in a separate bowl and add them to the meat mixture.
6. Add the salt, black pepper, nutmeg, and allspice to the meat mixture and mix well.
7. Using your hands, form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake the forcemeat balls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through.
- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
- This recipe makes approximately 24 forcemeat balls.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Protein: 9g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground turkey can be substituted for any of the ground meats.
- Panko breadcrumbs can be substituted for regular breadcrumbs.
- Chopped fresh thyme or rosemary can be substituted for the parsley.
Variations:
- For a spicier version, add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper to the meat mixture.
- For a sweeter version, add 1/4 cup raisins or currants to the meat mixture.
- For a more savory version, add 1/4 cup chopped mushrooms to the meat mixture.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to mix the meat mixture well to ensure that the forcemeat balls hold together.
- Wetting your hands with cold water before forming the balls will prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands.
- For a crispier exterior, broil the forcemeat balls for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
Storage Instructions:
- Store leftover forcemeat balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
- To reheat the forcemeat balls, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the forcemeat balls on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving.
- Arrange the forcemeat balls on a bed of mashed potatoes or polenta for a hearty meal.
Garnishes:
- Sprinkle chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the forcemeat balls before serving.
Pairings:
- Serve the forcemeat balls with a side of roasted vegetables or a green salad.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted carrots
- Green beans
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the forcemeat balls are falling apart, add more breadcrumbs to the meat mixture until it holds together.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to cook the forcemeat balls to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure that they are fully cooked.
Food History:
- Forcemeat balls have been a popular dish in European cuisine for centuries, often served as a side dish or appetizer.
Flavor Profiles:
- The forcemeat balls have a savory, meaty flavor with hints of nutmeg and allspice.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the forcemeat balls as an appetizer or as a main course with a side dish.
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