Classic Italian Meatballs (Extra Soft and Juicy)
Try this Classic Italian Meatballs (Extra Soft and Juicy) recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Classic Italian Meatballs (Extra Soft and Juicy) recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 egg
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- black pepper
- 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lightly packed cup of sliced white sandwich bread torn into small pieces, crusts removed (note 1)
- 1/2 cup grated onion (brown white or yellow)
- 14 oz / 400 g ground beef (beef mince)
- 3 oz / 100g ground pork (mince) or substitute with grou
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley finely chopped (note 3)
- 1/4 cup parmigiano-reggiano (or parmesan) freshly grated
- 3/4 cup onion finely chopped (white brown or yellow)
- 24 oz / 700 g tomato passata (known as tomato sauce in a
- 1 tsp red pepper (chili) flakes
- 3 tsp dried italian herb mix (parsley basil, thyme, oregano)
- pasta of choice (i like spaghetti and twirls!)
- parmigiano-reggiano (or parmesan) freshly grated
- parsley finely chopped (optional)
- Carbohydrate 1.76472791758615 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 2.21701583435267 g
- Fiber 0.460179158849051 g
- Protein 0.538048750431416 g
- Saturated Fat 0.309756333477413 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -5 (322g)
- Sodium 7.56352084198673 mg
- Sugar 1.3045487587371 g
- Trans Fat 0.0890087083925461 g
- Calories 27 calories
Step-by-step
- Place the bread and onion in a large bowl. Mix to combine so the onion juice soaks the bread.
- Add all the remaining Meatball ingredients except the olive oil. Use your hands to mix well.
- Measure out a heaped tablespoon and roll lightly to form a ball. Repeat with remaining mixture. (Note 5)
- Heat 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil in a large non-stick fry pan over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and brown all over - about 5 minutes. I prefer to shake the pan gently to roll the meatballs around, rather than using a spoon (they hold their shape better).
- When they are browned but NOT cooked through, carefully transfer them onto a plate.
- Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil into the fry pan. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until translucent.
- Add the remaining Sauce ingredients. Bring to a simmer, then turn down to medium-low so it bubbles gently rather than splattering everywhere.
- Carefully transfer the meatballs and any juices that have pooled on the plate into the Sauce.
- Cook the meatballs for 10 minutes, turning and stirring occasionally. Adjust Sauce salt and pepper to taste.
- While the meatballs are cooking, cook your pasta of choice.
- Serve the meatballs on pasta, garnished with extra Parmigiano-Reggiano and parsley if using.
My Secret to Extra Soft and Juicy Italian Meatballs
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying meal can sometimes feel like a Herculean task. But there's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of homemade Italian meatballs simmering in a rich tomato sauce to bring the family together. This recipe isn't just about throwing together ingredients; it's about creating a culinary experience, a taste of tradition, a moment of calm amidst the chaos of daily life.
The secret to these meatballs? It's all in the balance. The perfect blend of ground beef and pork creates a beautifully textured meatball that is both incredibly juicy and satisfyingly soft. Too much beef, and you risk a dry, tough texture. Too much pork, and the flavor profile can become too rich. But this recipe has it just right, a harmonious marriage of flavors that dance on your tongue. The addition of finely chopped onions and herbs adds a delicate sweetness and depth that elevates the meatballs beyond simple ground meat. And the soaking of the bread in onion juice? That's the key to that wonderfully tender texture.
Beyond the meat, the sauce is crucial. A simple tomato passata, seasoned with garlic, Italian herbs, and a hint of red pepper flakes, provides a rustic yet vibrant base for the meatballs. It's a sauce that allows the meatball flavors to shine through, not overpowering them, but complementing them perfectly. I like to simmer the meatballs gently in this sauce, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen over time. This slow cooking process ensures that every bite is infused with the rich aroma and taste of perfectly seasoned tomatoes and tender meat.
The preparation itself is surprisingly straightforward. The steps are clear and concise, even a novice cook can confidently follow the recipe and achieve outstanding results. It’s a recipe that invites you to get your hands involved, to feel the texture of the meat, the softness of the bread, the rich juiciness of the finished product. This isn’t just about cooking; it’s about connecting with the process, savoring each step, and finding joy in creating something delicious. The final result? A dish that’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion gathering. The soft and juicy meatballs, bathed in a flavorful tomato sauce, are a testament to the magic of simple ingredients, perfectly balanced and lovingly prepared.
These Italian meatballs are more than just food; they’re a reminder that even in the midst of a busy schedule, we can still find time to create something special, something comforting, something that nourishes not just the body but also the soul. Serve it with your favorite pasta, a simple side salad, and a glass of chilled wine, and you have a truly memorable meal. So grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and embark on a culinary adventure that's guaranteed to delight your taste buds and warm your heart. The memories you create while making these meatballs will be as flavorful as the meatballs themselves.
The accompanying pasta is another opportunity for personal touch. Spaghetti, twirls, penne – whatever you prefer works beautifully. I particularly enjoy the way the sauce clings to the spaghetti, creating a delicious coating on every strand. The final garnish of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a touch of elegance and brightness to the dish, lifting it from simple comfort food to a restaurant-quality experience. And the best part? Clean-up is relatively easy! The satisfaction of a perfectly prepared meal is amplified tenfold when the cleanup is manageable. It's a reminder that cooking can be both enjoyable and efficient.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overwork the meatball mixture; gently mixing the ingredients ensures a tender texture.
- Brown the meatballs thoroughly before simmering to develop a rich flavor and beautiful crust.
- Simmer the meatballs gently to prevent them from breaking apart.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed to achieve your preferred flavor profile.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is essential for the best flavor and texture.
This recipe is a testament to the power of simplicity. From humble ingredients, we create a dish that transcends its origins, becoming a symbol of family, warmth, and culinary excellence. So go ahead, give this recipe a try – your taste buds will thank you for it.
