Sweet and Savory Meatball Magic: A Recipe with Jelly Glaze
This recipe takes the classic comfort food of meatballs and elevates it with an unexpected yet delightful twist: a sweet and tangy jelly glaze. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this unique fusion of savory and sweet!
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a blend of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Jelly Glaze:
- 1 cup your favorite jelly (cranberry, grape, or even apricot work wonderfully!)
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for a little kick!)
Instructions:
Making the Meatballs:
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, onion, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough meatballs.
- Shape the meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Brown the meatballs: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This step helps to develop a delicious crust.
- Simmer the meatballs: Once browned, reduce the heat to low, add about 1 cup of beef broth or water to the skillet, and cover. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
Making the Jelly Glaze:
- Combine glaze ingredients: While the meatballs are simmering, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the jelly, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard (if using).
- Simmer the glaze: Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the jelly is melted and the glaze is smooth.
Combining Meatballs and Glaze:
- Glaze the meatballs: Once the meatballs are cooked, increase the heat to medium and add the jelly glaze to the skillet. Toss the meatballs gently to coat them evenly.
- Reduce the sauce: Simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the glaze to thicken slightly and adhere to the meatballs.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these sweet and savory meatballs over mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or polenta. A side of roasted vegetables would also complement the dish beautifully. The unexpected combination of the savory meatballs and the sweet and tangy glaze creates a surprisingly harmonious flavor profile.
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