**Southern Italian Meatballs: A Culinary Journey of Flavor and Tradition**
In the realm of Italian cuisine, meatballs hold a special place, embodying the essence of comfort, tradition, and culinary artistry. These delectable orbs of minced meat, expertly seasoned and simmered in a luscious tomato sauce, have captivated taste buds for generations. Southern Italy, with its rich culinary heritage, offers a unique interpretation of this classic dish that is sure to tantalize your senses and leave you craving more.
This article presents a curated collection of authentic Southern Italian meatball recipes, each with its own distinct character and charm. From the classic Neapolitan meatballs, renowned for their tender texture and burst of flavor, to the spicy Calabrian meatballs, infused with the fiery heat of chili peppers, these recipes encompass the culinary diversity and passion of Southern Italy.
Whether you prefer the traditional beef and pork blend or the lighter turkey and chicken meatballs, this article has something for every palate. Step-by-step instructions and detailed ingredient lists guide you through the process of crafting these delectable meatballs, ensuring perfect results every time.
As you embark on this culinary journey, you'll discover the secrets of creating authentic Southern Italian meatballs, from selecting the finest ingredients to mastering the art of shaping and cooking them to perfection. Along the way, you'll also learn about the unique culinary traditions and regional variations that make these meatballs so special.
So, prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable experience as we delve into the world of Southern Italian meatballs, where every bite is a celebration of flavor, tradition, and the passion for good food. Buon Appetito!
SOUTHERN ITALIAN MEATBALLS
This recipe was my Grandmother's - a sweet little lady from Bari Italy. The only thing I changed was the type of bread. Since the crust was removed from the Italian loaf, I use white bread.
Provided by venom59
Categories Meatballs
Time 1h15m
Yield 48 meatballs, 12-15 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Combine ground beef, sausage, veal, garlic, and parsley in a large bowl and put aside.
- Mix the bread, beef stock, Parmesan cheese, romano cheese, pepper, sea salt, eggs, and breadcrumbs together. Combine well, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or over night.
- Roll into1-1/2 size balls and fry in 1' of olive oil until golden brown on all sides, or bake for 25 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit - great either way.
- Meatballs may be added to your favorite sauce or eat them straight from the oven or pan.
AUTHENTIC ITALIAN MEATBALLS
Meatball recipes are often challenged by chefs who claim, "Mine are the best!" Even though my meatballs ARE the best, I will make no such claim. Try them for yourself! This meatball recipe was given to me by my father who got it from a little old lady from Italy that he knew. It's amazing that she gave up her recipe to him, but I sure am glad she did!
Provided by InMemoryofBrats
Categories Meat
Time 3h20m
Yield 10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Mix all ingredients in a large bowl by hand.
- Use your bare hands for best results.
- Roll meatballs to about the size of a golf ball. (wet your hands to prevent the meat from sticking to them while rolling the meat balls).
- Drop raw meatballs into large (I use a stock pot) pot of sauce.
- (I have an incredible sauce recipe {#92096} I use for my meatballs).
- Simmer for about 3 hours.
GREAT-GRANDMA'S ITALIAN MEATBALLS
My great-grandmother started this easy meatball recipe with our family. We use ground beef and turkey for these meatballs, and the flavor's so good, you won't miss the extra calories. -Audrey Colantino, Winchester, Massachusetts
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 50m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375°. In a small skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook and stir until tender, 3-4 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Cool slightly., In a large bowl, combine bread crumbs, cheese, eggs, seasonings and onion mixture. Add turkey and beef; mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 1-1/2-in. balls., Place meatballs on a rack coated with cooking spray in a 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Bake until lightly browned and cooked through, 18-22 minutes. If desired, serve with pasta and pasta sauce.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 271 calories, Fat 13g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 125mg cholesterol, Sodium 569mg sodium, Carbohydrate 10g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges
CHEF JOHN'S ITALIAN MEATBALLS
Homemade meatballs are a very easy to make, and since we skip the very messy step of pan-frying these before they hit the sauce, it becomes downright simple. Here I use a standard half-beef/half-pork mixture. You can substitute water or beef broth for the milk, if preferred.
Provided by Chef John
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Time 2h15m
Yield 30
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Cover a baking sheet with foil and spray lightly with cooking spray.
- Soak bread crumbs in milk in a small bowl for 20 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir onions in hot oil until translucent, about 20 minutes.
- Mix beef and pork together in a large bowl. Stir onions, bread crumb mixture, eggs, parsley, garlic, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, Italian herb seasoning, and Parmesan cheese into meat mixture with a rubber spatula until combined. Cover and refrigerate for about one hour.
- Preheat an oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
- Using wet hands, form meat mixture into balls about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Arrange onto prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven until browned and cooked through, 15 to 20 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 81.9 calories, Carbohydrate 1.7 g, Cholesterol 32.3 mg, Fat 5.5 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 6.2 g, SaturatedFat 1.9 g, Sodium 192.1 mg, Sugar 0.5 g
Tips:
- Use a combination of ground beef and pork for a more flavorful meatball.
- Soak the bread crumbs in milk before adding them to the meatball mixture. This will help to bind the meatballs together and keep them moist.
- Season the meatballs generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add other herbs and spices, such as oregano, basil, or fennel seeds.
- Brown the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat before simmering them in the sauce. This will help to develop their flavor and prevent them from falling apart.
- Use a good quality tomato sauce for the meatballs. You can use a store-bought sauce or make your own. If you are using a store-bought sauce, be sure to doctor it up with some fresh herbs, garlic, and olive oil.
- Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for at least 30 minutes, or until they are cooked through. The longer you simmer them, the more flavorful they will be.
- Serve the meatballs with your favorite pasta, rice, or vegetables.
Conclusion:
Southern Italian meatballs are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a batch of meatballs that will be sure to impress your family and friends. So next time you are looking for a hearty and satisfying meal, give these Southern Italian meatballs a try. You won't be disappointed!
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