Friday, April 29, 2011

Perfect Every Time Meatballs


 
My take on traditional Italian meatballs are lightened up by using turkey chop meat instead of beef. They have all the incredible flavors of garlic, fresh parsley and cheese, but with less fat and calories. They are tender, moist, and addicting, but most of all they are Perfect Every Time!

 
I leave a plate of these on the counter for the kids when they come home from school. They run by and pop these mini meatballs into their mouths. They bring new meaning to fast food! I know they are getting a high protein snack when I make these and they know that they are getting a delicious treat. Their friends love them too.

 

 

 

 
Ingredients:
  • 1 lb turkey chop meat, 93% lean, not 99%
  • 1/4 cup grated cheese, I like Pecorino Romano
  • 2 small to medium garlic cloves, minced very small
  • 1/3 cup chopped parsley, fresh parsley only
  • 1/4 cup pre seasoned breadcrumbs, I like 4C
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, I put it in the meat for a perfectly moist meatball
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper, or 8 turns on the pepper wheel
  • 1 cup olive oil to fry in, no extra virgin for frying.

 Instructions:

 
In medium bowl, mix all ingredient together, except 1 cup olive oil, until just mixed. Over mixing will make them hard. Roll them into small balls, 1/8 cup scoops at a time. Fry in a preheated pan of olive oil on medium heat for 4 minutes each side or until golden brown. Don't let them timer tell you when to turn them, let the color.

 

 

 

 

 
    Just a few happy customers!!!!


 

 
Servings: 6

Notes:

 
Much of the oil you fry in will be discarded. Be sure not to use extra virgin because it will burn.

 
Try not to overcook these. 4 minutes on each side should be enough. A trick I use with poultry is first, I'd rather undercooked it than over. I can always cook it a bit extra if it's under, but when it's over it's over. Dry poultry is just not good. I cook my meatballs, then remove them and place on a dish. I let them sit for 5 minutes before I check them. Letting them sit helps them complete cooking and reabsorb their liquids. Once I leave them for 5 minutes I then cut one open. If it's not cooked, which doesn't happen with these, I could always microwave them for 30 seconds at a time with no effect on their taste or texture at all. I will nuke them for 30 seconds, then check them and repeat that if they're still not cooked. Try it, I never overcook my poultry based on this trick.

 
When making meatballs, be sure not to crowd the pan. My 1 lb made 2 batches of meatballs. Too many in the pan lowers the pan temperature and then they need longer to cook.

 
You could also throw the meatballs into a simmering pot of Perfect Every Time Tomato Sauce without frying them and have the most moist succulent meatballs you've ever tasted! In that case, cook them in a slowly simmering pot of sauce for 15 minutes.
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9 comments:

  1. So excited to have your recipe, they really are the moistest turkey meatballs I've ever tasted!! I guess it's the added oil which I never do. Great idea.

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  2. Thnx Gina! That and the 93 instead of 99% FF turkey. The 99 is too dry for me.

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  3. LOL, i just got this..."They bring new meaning to fast food!" So I made them tonight cooked in one of your jars liquid gold (aka succo) that I am rationing and they were delicious!

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  4. You know Gina, I pay for tech support in jars of succo! You may have some com in your way!

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  5. Just wondering what turkey chop meat is. Is that different from ground turkey?

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  6. hi julie, your right, its the same thing. my mother calls it turkey chop meat and it stuck!

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  7. Can I bake these instead of frying, and also 4C has a seasoned whole wheat breadcrumbs, can I use those instead, thanks for the great recipes

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  8. Hi Sally. I havent baked these, but im sure it would be great. I would moisten my hands with olive oil then massage it onto each meatballs exterior so they would brown up just like frying, but with lots less oil. I LOVE the 4C tip. I have to look for that at my grocer. Thanks!

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  9. I have always followed Gina's site and now found yours too. I am in Heaven!! I love your recipes and have started making them.. They are excellent!! My grandparents were from Naples..

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