These authentic Lombard-style polpette are a delightful departure from standard meatballs, featuring a vibrant gremolata of lemon zest, parsley, and garlic. The beef is bound with soaked bread and egg, creating a tender, juicy texture that holds up well during pan-frying. The subtle warmth of nutmeg complements the bright citrus notes, resulting in a complex, aromatic flavor profile. These small, flattened cakes are perfect as an appetizer, a light main course, or a flavorful addition to pasta dishes. Ideal for weeknight dinners when you want something homemade yet quick to prepare, they bring a touch of Italian tradition to your table.
Polpette (Meatballs
Description
These authentic Lombard-style polpette are a delightful departure from standard meatballs, featuring a vibrant gremolata of lemon zest, parsley, and garlic. The beef is bound with soaked bread and egg, creating a tender, juicy texture that holds up well during pan-frying. The subtle warmth of nutmeg complements the bright citrus notes, resulting in a complex, aromatic flavor profile. These small, flattened cakes are perfect as an appetizer, a light main course, or a flavorful addition to pasta dishes. Ideal for weeknight dinners when you want something homemade yet quick to prepare, they bring a touch of Italian tradition to your table.Ingredients
Directions
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Finely mince the zest of the small lemon, the parsley, and the garlic cloves together to create a gremolata mixture.
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Soak the slice of white bread in milk, then squeeze it thoroughly until dry and crumble it into small pieces.
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In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, gremolata mixture, salt, pepper, grated nutmeg, crumbled bread, and beaten egg.
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Gently mix the ingredients together until just combined; do not overwork the meat to keep the meatballs tender.
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On a lightly floured surface, form the mixture into small, flattened cakes approximately 1/2 inch thick and 1 1/2 inches wide.
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Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
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Brown the meatballs in the hot oil for about 2 minutes on each side, turning carefully.
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Drain the cooked meatballs on paper towels and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 667.1kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 36.8g57%
- Saturated Fat 10.1g51%
- Cholesterol 181.8mg61%
- Sodium 249.5mg11%
- Total Carbohydrate 47.4g16%
- Dietary Fiber 8.7g35%
- Sugars 3.3g
- Protein 42.0g84%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
