Spicy Beef Meatballs with Chicory

Spicy Beef Meatballs with Chicory are a flavorful and slightly spicy dish that combines robust and distinctive flavors. Here’s how to prepare them:

Ingredients

• 500g of ground beef
• 200g of chicory
• 1 egg
• 50g of breadcrumbs
• 1 clove of garlic
• Chili powder or fresh to taste
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil
• 50g of grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation

1. Start by cleaning the chicory well, removing any damaged outer leaves and the tougher stem. Then wash it and boil it in slightly salted water until it becomes tender. Drain and finely chop the cooked chicory.
2. In a large bowl, mix the ground beef with the beaten egg, breadcrumbs, finely chopped garlic, Parmesan, chili pepper (adjusting to your spice tolerance), salt, and pepper. Add the chopped chicory and mix to blend all the ingredients together.
3. Form the mixture into meatballs, flattening them slightly.
4. Heat a drizzle of oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat and, once hot, place the meatballs in the pan, browning them on all sides until they are well golden and cooked inside.
5. The meatballs can be served hot, possibly accompanied by a tomato sauce or a side of grilled vegetables.

Curiosity

Chicory is a vegetable highly appreciated in Italian cuisine, especially in the South of Italy. It is known not only for its slightly bitter taste that pairs well with strong-flavored ingredients, such as beef and chili pepper, but also for its beneficial properties, including the detoxifying effect and the presence of vitamins and minerals.

For an even more Italian and local touch, you might try using a specific type of chicory, such as Catalogna chicory or puntarelle, typical of Lazio, if they’re available in your area.