White Meatballs

White meatballs are a classic, simple, and comforting dish. Here’s how to prepare them:

Ingredients

• 500 g of ground meat (beef, pork, or a mix of the two)
• 1 large egg
• 1 bunch of finely chopped parsley
• 50 g of grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Nutmeg (optional)
• Breadcrumbs, as needed
• Extra virgin olive oil
• 1 clove of garlic
• 1/2 glass of white wine
• 500 ml of beef or vegetable broth

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat with the egg, parsley, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if you like.
2. Mix all the ingredients well and then add enough breadcrumbs to obtain a moldable mixture that is not too wet.
3. Form walnut-sized meatballs and arrange them on a plate.
4. In a wide pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil with the unpeeled garlic clove.
5. Once the garlic is golden, remove it and add the meatballs.
6. Brown the meatballs on all sides over medium-high heat until they are well browned.
7. Deglaze the meatballs with half a glass of white wine and let the alcohol evaporate.
8. Lower the heat and add the beef or vegetable broth until it covers halfway up the meatballs.
9. Cover the pan and let cook for about 20 minutes, adding more broth if necessary.
10. Once ready, the meatballs should be tender and the sauce reduced to a creamy gravy.

Serve the white meatballs hot, perhaps accompanied by a vegetable side dish or mashed potatoes. These meatballs are also perfect for children and are a valid alternative when you prefer a lighter dish compared to meatballs in tomato sauce.

Curiosity

Meatballs are an ancient dish widespread in many cultures around the world. Each country has its variant, from the Middle Eastern köfte to the Spanish albóndigas, to the famous American meatballs. The “in bianco” version is typically Italian and highlights the delicate flavor of the meat.