Cabbage Meatballs

Cabbage meatballs are a versatile dish and can be a valid vegetarian alternative to the classic meatballs. Here’s how to prepare them Italian style:

Ingredients

• 500 g of cabbage (Savoy cabbage)
• 1 small onion
• 2 eggs
• 100 g of breadcrumbs
• 50 g of grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Nutmeg (optional)
• Extra virgin olive oil for cooking
• If you want an extra touch, you can also add some aromatic herbs such as parsley or basil.

Preparation

1. Start by washing the cabbage well and then cut it into thin strips.
2. Sauté the chopped onion in a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil until it becomes translucent.
3. Add the cabbage to the sauté and cook over medium heat until it softens. If necessary, add a bit of water to prevent it from sticking.
4. Once the cabbage is cooked, let it cool and then squeeze it well to eliminate excess water.
5. In a large bowl, mix the cabbage with the eggs, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg to taste.
6. Blend all the ingredients well until the mixture is homogeneous.
7. Form the meatballs with your hands and, if the mixture is too wet, add a bit of breadcrumbs.
8. In a pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil and cook the meatballs until they are golden on all sides.
9. Serve the cabbage meatballs hot, as a main course or as a tasty appetizer.

Curiosity

Cabbage meatballs in Italian cuisine are a perfect example of how to create tasty and nutritious dishes using simple and often underestimated ingredients like cabbage. Experiment by adding other ingredients for variations of the dish, such as cubes of melting cheese inside each meatball, for a surprisingly delicious result!