Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Special equipment needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Large skillet
- Meatball scoop or spoon
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Use a meatball scoop or spoon to form the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
3. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5 minutes.
4. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
5. In the same skillet, add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Add the meatballs to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes.
7. Once the meatballs are cooked, add the bacon back to the skillet and stir to combine.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
Medium-high heat
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 350
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: 28g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground pork or turkey can be substituted for ground beef
- Panko breadcrumbs can be used instead of regular breadcrumbs
- Butter or vegetable oil can be used instead of olive oil
Variations:
- Add chopped garlic to the onion mixture for extra flavor
- Use diced pancetta instead of bacon
- Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the meatball mixture
Tips and tricks:
- Wet your hands with cold water before forming the meatballs to prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands
- Don't overcrowd the skillet when cooking the meatballs, as this can cause them to steam instead of brown
- Use a splatter screen to prevent grease from splattering while cooking the bacon
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the perișoare with bacon and onion on a bed of mashed potatoes or rice for a hearty meal.
Garnishes:
Chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives can be sprinkled on top for added flavor and color.
Pairings:
This dish pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Garlic green beans
- Creamed spinach
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the meatballs are falling apart while cooking, add more breadcrumbs to the mixture to help bind it together.
- If the bacon is burning while cooking, reduce the heat and cook for a longer period of time.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the meatballs to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Wash your hands and any surfaces that come into contact with raw meat to prevent cross-contamination.
Food history:
Perișoare is a traditional Romanian dish made with meatballs and a variety of sauces. It is often served with mashed potatoes or rice.
Flavor profiles:
This dish is savory and hearty, with the smoky flavor of bacon and the sweetness of caramelized onions.
Serving suggestions:
Serve hot with a side of mashed potatoes or rice for a comforting meal.
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Region: Romanian