Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh thyme
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup water
Special equipment needed:
- Steamer basket
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Food processor (optional)
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, parsley, thyme, rosemary, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Add the water to the mixture and continue to mix until the water is fully incorporated. The mixture should be moist but not too wet.
3. If you have a food processor, you can pulse the mixture a few times to create a smoother texture. However, this step is optional.
4. Using your hands, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
5. Place the meatballs in a steamer basket, making sure they are not touching each other.
6. Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, place the steamer basket on top of the pot, making sure the meatballs are not touching the water.
7. Cover the pot with a lid and steam the meatballs for 10-12 minutes, or until they are fully cooked.
8. Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the steamer basket and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
Temperature:
Water should be brought to a boil before steaming the meatballs.
Serving size:
This recipe makes about 20-25 meatballs, depending on the size.
Nutritional information:
Each meatball contains approximately 70 calories, 4g fat, 4g protein, and 4g carbohydrates.
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground pork, chicken, or turkey.
- Breadcrumbs can be substituted with panko breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or almond flour.
- Fresh parsley, thyme, and rosemary can be substituted with dried herbs.
Variations:
- Add minced garlic or onion to the meatball mixture for extra flavor.
- Substitute the herbs with your favorite seasoning blend, such as Italian seasoning or Cajun seasoning.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese to the meatball mixture for a cheesy twist.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the meatball mixture is moist enough to hold together, but not too wet.
- Use a cookie scoop or melon baller to make evenly sized meatballs.
- To prevent the meatballs from sticking to the steamer basket, lightly coat it with cooking spray or oil.
Storage instructions:
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat the meatballs, place them in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the meatballs on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking.
Garnishes:
Garnish the meatballs with additional fresh herbs or grated Parmesan cheese.
Pairings:
Serve the meatballs with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad.
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Mashed potatoes
- Rice pilaf
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the meatball mixture is too dry, add a little more water or egg to moisten it.
- If the meatballs fall apart during steaming, the mixture may be too wet. Add more breadcrumbs to help bind it together.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the meatballs are fully cooked before serving.
- Store leftover meatballs in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
Food history:
Meatballs are a popular dish in many cultures, with variations found in Italian, Swedish, and Middle Eastern cuisine.
Flavor profiles:
The combination of fresh herbs gives these meatballs a savory and aromatic flavor.
Serving suggestions:
Serve these meatballs as an appetizer or as a main dish with your favorite sides.
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