Grandma was a pro at making meatballs from scratch. Here are some of her best-kept-secrets for getting them just right.
If your Grandma was anything like mine, she was a fabulous cook. There was nothing better than the smell of homemade meatballs simmering in red sauce in her kitchen! I’ve rounded up some of Nonna’s best-kept secrets for making meatballs from scratch.
Just pair your meatballs with fresh spaghetti and warm Italian bread, and you’re all set for Sunday supper.
Use a Mix of Beef and Pork
Sure, spices add a lot of flavor to meatballs, but it’s the fat in the meat that makes them so juicy. Use a 50/50 mix of beef and pork as your base, or try a blend of beef, pork and veal.
Make Your Own Breadcrumbs
To make homemade breadcrumbs the way Nonna used to, soak leftover stale bread in milk for a few minutes. Remove the excess milk by squeezing the bread with your hands, then break up the bread into small pieces.
Here’s another easy way to make breadcrumbs at home.
Add Garlic and Herbs
Using fresh garlic will deliver flavor with a kick. Pair that with classic Italian herbs and spices like oregano, red pepper flakes and fresh parsley—and don’t forget the salt and pepper!
Grandma never measured; it was always a pinch of this and some of that, so experiment to find the perfect flavors.
Use Cheese, Please
Another classic ingredient for Grandma’s Italian meatballs is cheese. Try using freshly grated Parmesan, Parmigiano-Reggiano or Romano cheese to add flavor.
Add Milk for Moisture
A little bit of milk will add moisture to your meatballs. (Many people think it’s the eggs that add the moisture, but their role is to bind the meat, breadcrumbs, cheese and herbs.)
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