Make Ahead

Tender Meatballs

by:
October 30, 2013
0
0 Ratings
  • Cook time 30 minutes
  • Serves 6-8 a starter; 10-12 as hors d'oeuvres
Author Notes

This recipe is part of a personal challenge to build a better meatball. It is partly based on a suggestion in Cook's Magazine to add unflavored gelatin powder for a juicy, tender meatloaf. I added both garlic and garlic powder, ketchup and soy sauce, and chopped Italian sausage, to add depth. You are welcome to try plain milk in place of the almond milk. —creamtea

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Ingredients
  • 1 teaspoon unflavored, powdered gelatin
  • 3 tablespoons cold water
  • 1/4 cup fine dry breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup plain almond milk
  • 1 3/4 pounds ground beef
  • 1 sweet Italian sausage, casing removed, finely chopped
  • 3 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced and mashed with a pinch of kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano, crumbled
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • freshly ground pepper and salt to taste
Directions
  1. In a small bowl or prep dish, combine water and gelatin. Stir and set aside until thickened, several minutes.
  2. In another small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and almond milk. Stir to combine.
  3. In a large bowl, combine beef with gelatin and bread crumb mixtures. Add remaining ingredients through garlic powder and blend with hands until incorporated.
  4. Have ready an oiled baking dish. Dampen (or grease) hands then form 1-1/2" - 2" meatballs. Arrange in baking dish. Pour about 1/4" of water around meatballs, scatter sliced onions, sprinkle with lemon juice (optional), cover with foil and bake in 350º oven about 1/2 hour, uncovering for the last 10 or 15 minutes to brown tops of meatballs.
  5. Serve as an appetizer or main dish.

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