As one of the most beloved comfort foods worldwide, National Meatball Day is celebrated on March 9th. While primarily celebrated in the US, it appears Brits have a love for this Italian essential too as online searches for “homemade meatballs recipe” are up 50% in the last 12 months.
And as the #italianfood is new to the top 100 hashtags for food and beverage on TikTok, with over 10 million views so far, this Italian staple is the perfect versatile dish.
With this in mind, Senior Recipe Development Manager, Mimi Morley from food box delivery service, HelloFresh, has revealed their top tips for mastering mouthwatering meatballs, and which dishes they are best served in.
“When we think of meatballs, we imagine rich tomato pasta recipes, but meatballs are a versatile food that can be added to a number of recipes.
“Sandwich subs, currys, noodles, or creamy mash potatoes all make great additions to a meatball recipe, so don’t be afraid to experiment with your flavours.”
Mimi’s top tips for perfecting meatball dishes
Find your flavour
Mimi suggests trying different meats in your dishes to find your favourite flavour. Meatballs don’t have to just be made of beef, but pork or chicken can also be used for tasty alternatives.
Likewise, vegetarian meatballs, made with lentils or mushrooms can be a great meat-free swap.
When it comes to seasoning, blend flavours of herbs and spices such as parsley, basil, oregano, and if you’re a lover of spice, add chilli flakes to heat up your meatball dish.
And don’t forget to add a generous handful of grated Parmesan to your mixture for a smooth and creamy texture.
Keeping meatballs moist
When adding ingredients such as breadcrumbs and eggs to help the meatballs keep their shape, Mimi suggests adding little grated veg like carrots to keep the mixture hydrated, while also benefiting from some extra nutrients.
Avoid overworking the meat
While the name gives it away, meatballs should have a smooth rounded appearance that can be tricky to achieve. Mimi recommends taking a gentler approach when mixing together the ingredients, and avoid overworking the meat which can result in dense meatballs when cooked.
Once the mixture is blended, gently roll a golf ball sized amount in between your hands. Or, use a handy ice cream scoop to measure the perfect amount and keep your hands clean.
Choosing your cooking method
Meatballs can be cooked in a number of ways, and should be considered based on the dish you’re serving. Mimi comments:
“If you’re seeking traditional cooking methods for your meatballs, try frying them in oil to add a crispy texture.
“For a healthier alternative, meatballs can be baked or air fried and then simmered in a sauce to help absorb moisture and flavour. I recommend this method when adding to pasta dishes.”
For more tasty pasta recipes, visit HelloFresh.
