Ingredients for Authentic Northern Italian Meatballs
- Fat Free Chicken Broth
- Yellow Onion
- Garlic Cloves
- Flat Leaf Italian Parsley
- Lean Ground Beef
- Ground Lean Pork
- Lean Ground Veal
- Panko Breadcrumbs
- 2 large egg whites (or 2 whole eggs)
- Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
- Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Marinara Sauce
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
How to Make Authentic Northern Italian Meatballs
- In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, ground pork, egg whites (or whole eggs), grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped onion, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Gradually add the fat-free chicken stock (or regular chicken stock), mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Stir in the panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs) until the mixture is evenly moistened.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial for tender meatballs.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet.
- Roll the meatball mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and browned.
- Serve immediately or allow to cool completely before freezing for future use. Enjoy in your favorite pasta sauce, on top of salads, or as a delicious appetizer!
Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor
Want to unlock deeper, more complex flavors? Try toasting your whole spices before grinding them, or blooming ground spices in a little warm oil to enhance their aroma. Deglazing your pan with a bit of stock, wine, or even water after browning ingredients can capture those tasty caramelized bits, adding richness to your dish.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
Sodium
60 g
Sugar
54g
Fat
37g
Carbs
7g