Pork balls

Treat yourself to the deliciousness of homemade pork meatballs made effortlessly with this tempting recipe. These delicious meatballs can be endlessly versatile and enjoyed in a variety of ways. Immerse yourself in the Italian feast by simmering these juicy meatballs in a rich tomato sauce before pairing them with pasta for a truly satisfying meal. Alternatively, enjoy the heavenly Swedish touch by serving the meatballs with creamy mashed potatoes, creating a comforting combination that will warm your soul. For a delicious fusion twist, toss these delicious pork meatballs into a fragrant Vietnamese broth and infuse them with exciting flavors from the East. The possibilities are endless and satisfaction is guaranteed.

Ingredients

400 g minced pork, or use half pork, half beef
1 small red onion or shallot, finely chopped
1 clove of garlic, finely grated
50g breadcrumbs
1 egg
½ tbsp vegetable oil
1 tsp tomato paste, 1 tbsp grated Parmesan, 1 tsp lemongrass paste or 1 tsp English mustard

Preparation steps

Place the minced meat, onions, garlic, breadcrumbs and egg in a bowl along with your chosen flavoring. Mix well.
Use your hands to fully combine the mixture, squeezing it through your fingers several times.
Form the mixture into 12-14 evenly sized meatballs, about the size of a walnut.
If necessary, you can freeze the meatballs in a sealed container for up to three months. Allow to thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight before using.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Fry the meatballs all over for about 8-10 minutes. You may need to do this in batches.
To cook completely, reduce the heat and continue frying. Move them occasionally so they don’t burn.
For best results, finish cooking with the sauce of your choice.

Nutritional Information

kcal	fat	saturates	carbohydrates	Sugar	fiber	protein	Salt
70	4g	1g	3g	0g	0.1g	6g	0.1g

Equipment and tools

mixing bowl
Knife
cutting board
grater
baking tray
Oven
frying pan
spatula

Allergen information

Please note that this recipe contains the following allergens:

Eggs
Dairy products (Parmesan)

If you or anyone consuming this dish suffers from allergies or dietary restrictions, please ensure that you substitute or omit all ingredients accordingly.

Storage and leftovers

Here’s how to store and use leftovers of these delicious pork meatballs:

Allow the meatballs to cool completely.
Place them in an airtight container or wrap them in aluminum foil.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, gently warm the meatballs in a skillet over low heat or in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes.
Enjoy the leftovers within the recommended storage time.

Health Benefits of Pork Meatballs

Pork meatballs are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. Packed with flavor and nutrients, these meatballs offer multiple health benefits. Let’s explore some of the reasons why you should include pork meatballs in your diet:

1. Good source of protein

Pork balls are an excellent source of protein. Protein is important for repairing and building muscle tissue, supporting the immune system, and maintaining healthy skin, hair, and nails. A 100g serving of pork meatballs provides around 18g of protein, making them a great option for people looking to meet their daily protein needs.

2. Rich in vitamins and minerals

Pork meatballs contain a variety of essential vitamins and minerals. They are particularly rich in B vitamins, including thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12. These vitamins play a crucial role in energy metabolism, cognitive functions and maintaining a healthy nervous system. Pork balls also provide important minerals such as zinc, iron and selenium, which are essential for various body functions.

3. Versatile and tasteful

Pork balls can be made with different spices and flavors, so you can customize them to your preferences. The addition of ingredients like red onion, garlic, and lemongrass paste creates a flavor explosion that enhances the flavor of the meatballs. This versatility makes them a great choice for adding excitement to your meals while being health conscious.

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4. Lower fat content

Choosing pork meatballs made from lean pork or a combination of pork and beef can result in a lower fat content. Removing excess fat or using lean cuts of meat helps reduce saturated fat intake, which is beneficial for maintaining a healthy heart and controlling cholesterol levels. To further increase the healthiness of your meatballs, you can also bake or grill them instead of frying them.

5. Suitable for different diets

Pork balls can be enjoyed by people who have different dietary preferences. They are naturally gluten-free as long as gluten-containing ingredients such as breadcrumbs are replaced with gluten-free alternatives. Additionally, if you prefer a low-carb diet, you can skip the breadcrumbs or use a low-carb substitute to maintain the texture and binding of the meatballs.

Incorporating pork meatballs into your meals will allow you to enjoy a tasty and nutritious dish. Remember to balance portion sizes and pair them with different vegetables or whole grains for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.