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
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 cup chopped spinach
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Special equipment needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, parsley, chopped spinach, and shredded cheese. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
4. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add the diced tomatoes and chicken broth to the skillet, and bring to a simmer.
6. Add the meatballs to the skillet, and cook for 5-7 minutes, until they are browned on all sides.
7. Transfer the meatballs and sauce to a baking dish, and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through.
8. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 350
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 28g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken.
- Chopped spinach can be substituted with chopped kale or Swiss chard.
- Shredded cheese can be substituted with crumbled feta or goat cheese.
Variations:
- Add chopped mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor.
- Use Italian seasoning instead of the individual herbs and spices.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to mix the meatball mixture well so that all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Brown the meatballs in the skillet before baking to ensure that they are cooked through.
- Serve with crusty bread or over pasta for a complete meal.
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 in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the meatballs and sauce in a shallow bowl or on a platter, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
Garnishes:
Chopped fresh parsley
Pairings:
- Crusty bread
- Pasta
- Roasted vegetables
Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted potatoes
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the meatballs are falling apart, add more breadcrumbs to the mixture.
- If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to thicken it up.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the meatballs to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure that they are fully cooked.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
Perișoare is a traditional Romanian dish that is typically made with ground pork or beef, breadcrumbs, and spices. It is often served with a tomato-based sauce and is a popular comfort food in Romania.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, meaty, cheesy, with a hint of spice and herbs.
Serving suggestions:
Serve hot as a main dish with crusty bread or over pasta.
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Region: Romanian