Tiny Meatballs: Polpettine Recipe

Name: Tiny Meatballs: Polpettine
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Meat & Poultry
Ingredients: 3/4 pound ground lean meat (combination veal and pork); 1 cup freshly grated bread crumbs; 2 tablespoons grated pecorino; 2 tablespoons minced flat-leaf parsley; 1 garlic clove, sliced; 1 whole egg; Salt and pepper; 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus 2 tablespoons; 8 drained canned plum tomatoes; 1 small white onion, peeled and sliced; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs, such as basil, mint, or oregano

Servings: persons

3/4 pound ground lean meat (combination veal and pork)
1 cup freshly grated bread crumbs
2 tablespoons grated pecorino
2 tablespoons minced flat-leaf parsley
1 garlic clove, sliced
1 whole egg
Salt and pepper
1 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus 2 tablespoons
8 drained canned plum tomatoes
1 small white onion, peeled and sliced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs, such as basil, mint, or oregano

1
Using your hands and working quickly, combine meat, bread crumbs, grated cheese, parsley, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2
In a pan with sides tall enough for deep-frying, heat 1 cup oil to 360 degrees F. While the oil is heating, form meat mixture into little balls no more than 3/4-inch in diameter.
3
When oil is hot, add the meatballs, a few at a time, and fry until brown on all sides.
4
As they finish cooking, set aside to drain on paper towels.
5
Gently stew the tomatoes and onion in 2 tablespoons oil in a saucepan over medium heat, crushing tomatoes with a fork as they cook, until most of the liquid has evaporated and the sauce is dense.
6
Taste and add salt, if necessary.
7
Transfer to a food processor or food mill and process briefly to make a smooth puree.
8
Return puree to the pan, add drained meatballs, and let bubble over medium-low heat for 2 to 3 minutes to absorb flavors.
9
Just before serving, stir in fresh herbs.

No nutrition data on file — estimate from the ingredient list.

No additional tips available.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

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This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 11 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 3/4 pound ground lean meat (combination veal and pork), 1 cup freshly grated bread crumbs, 2 tablespoons grated pecorino, 2 tablespoons minced flat-leaf parsley, and more.

Yes, Tiny Meatballs: Polpettine falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Tiny Meatballs: Polpettine

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