Tuna Meatballs

Tuna meatballs are a delicious and easy-to-prepare second course. Here are the ingredients and the procedure:

Ingredients

• 250 grams of drained canned tuna
• 50 grams of breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese
• Chopped parsley to taste
• 1 clove of garlic (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil (for cooking)

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, thoroughly flake the drained tuna with a fork.
2. Add the egg, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and if you like, the finely chopped garlic clove. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Mix all the ingredients well until you get a homogeneous mixture. If the mixture is too soft, you can add more breadcrumbs to reach the right consistency.
4. Shape the meatballs into the desired size and, if you prefer, roll them in breadcrumbs again for an extra crispy crust.
5. Heat a drizzle of oil in a pan and, once hot, cook the tuna meatballs until they are golden and crispy on all sides.
6. As they are ready, transfer the meatballs to a plate lined with paper towels to remove the excess oil.
7. Serve hot, maybe accompanied by a fresh salad or a yogurt and herb-based sauce.

Trivia

Tuna meatballs are an excellent solution for a hearty meal rich in proteins. In Italy, there is a tradition of preparing meatballs not only with meat but also with various kinds of fish, legumes, and vegetables, confirming the creativity and versatility of Italian cuisine in repurposing ingredients in surprising ways.