Authentic Abruzzese Meatballs Recipe

Abruzzese meatballs are a traditional Italian dish from the region of Abruzzo. Known for their flavorful blend of beef, pork, and herbs, these meatballs are often served with a rich tomato sauce. This recipe delivers a classic taste of the Abruzzo region that is sure to be a hit at your dinner table.

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Recipe Details:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Category: Main Course, Italian, Comfort Food
• Servings: 4-6 servings

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Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 lb (450g) ground pork
• 2 slices of stale bread (preferably Italian bread)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Olive oil, for frying

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. Soak the Bread: Tear the stale bread into small pieces and soak it in milk for a few minutes until it softens. Squeeze out any excess milk and set aside.
2. Mix the Meat: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork. Add the soaked bread, eggs, garlic, parsley, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix everything together well using your hands until fully incorporated.
3. Shape the Meatballs: Using your hands, form the mixture into meatballs about the size of a golf ball (approximately 1 1/2 inches in diameter).
4. Fry the Meatballs: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the meatballs to the pan. Fry the meatballs in batches, turning them to ensure they brown on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes per batch. Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Tomato Sauce

1. Cook the Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Add the Tomatoes and Seasoning: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes to develop the flavors.
3. Add the Meatballs to the Sauce: Once the sauce has simmered, carefully add the browned meatballs to the skillet. Spoon some sauce over them and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for about 20-25 minutes, until cooked through and tender. If the sauce thickens too much, you can add a little water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 3: Serve

1. Garnish and Serve: If desired, sprinkle the meatballs with fresh basil and serve hot with pasta, crusty bread, or a side salad.

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Tips and Variations:

• Meat Choices: The traditional Abruzzese meatballs are made with a combination of beef and pork, but you can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Breadcrumbs: If you don’t have stale bread, you can substitute it with breadcrumbs. Soak the breadcrumbs in milk the same way you would with bread.
• Add Cheese: Some recipes call for a chunk of mozzarella or ricotta cheese inside the meatballs, making them even more indulgent. Simply add a small piece of cheese to the center of each meatball before frying.

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Enjoy Your Abruzzese Meatballs!

These authentic Abruzzese meatballs bring a true taste of Italy into your home. They are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for pairing with pasta, rice, or just enjoying with a piece of crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce. Buon appetito! 🇮🇹🍴

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