The humble meatball - do you like them? There are many varieties and recipes for this dish that can make a great mid-week (or any day) meal. I wondered when and where this dish originated, but apparently the true origin of the meatball remains unknown. The most likely candidate for the original meatball seems to be kofta, which originated with the Persians, who passed it to the Arabs. They likely travelled from the Arab world along trade routes to Greece, North Africa, and Spain.
Perhaps pinpointing the exact origin of the meatball is less significant than acknowledging its global popularity. Nearly every major culture has its own version of the meatball: Spanish albondigas, Dutch bitterballen, Chinese lion’s heads, South African skilpedjies. Kofte, too, is cooked everywhere from India to Morocco.
One possible reason for the meatball’s ubiquity … it’s an exceptionally accessible dish, simple and affordable. Meatballs can be made with nearly any kind of meat, and since that meat is ground and mixed with herbs and other flavours, cheap cuts of meat can be transformed into something delicious.
Perhaps pinpointing the exact origin of the meatball is less significant than acknowledging its global popularity. Nearly every major culture has its own version of the meatball: Spanish albondigas, Dutch bitterballen, Chinese lion’s heads, South African skilpedjies. Kofte, too, is cooked everywhere from India to Morocco.
One possible reason for the meatball’s ubiquity … it’s an exceptionally accessible dish, simple and affordable. Meatballs can be made with nearly any kind of meat, and since that meat is ground and mixed with herbs and other flavours, cheap cuts of meat can be transformed into something delicious.
Nowadays, there are also vegetarian and vegan options for this humble dish.
More about meatballs here
More about meatballs here
Italian Meatballs with Mozzarella Cheese
Tomato sauce, rich and comforting. Mozzarella, fresh and creamy. Meatballs, with just the right touch of onion and oregano. It's like spaghetti night, but without the carbs. Enjoy ...
Ingredients
Serves Four
4g carbs per serving
1 lb / 450 g ground (minced) beef or turkey
2 oz. / 50 g grated parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 tablespoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil
14 oz. / 400 g canned whole tomatoes
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
7 oz. / 200 g fresh spinach
2 oz. / 50 g butter
5 oz. / 150 g fresh mozzarella cheese
salt and pepper
See recipe instructions and tips on Diet Doctor site here
All the best Jan
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