- Soaked Bread: Instead of breadcrumbs, you can use 2 slices of bread soaked in milk or water and then finely shredded. This can make the meatballs even more tender.
- Spices and Herbs: Feel free to add spices such as paprika, cumin, or dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or basil for extra flavor.
- Grated Vegetables: Adding grated vegetables such as carrot, zucchini, or mushrooms can enhance the moisture and nutritional content of your meatballs.
- Ricotta Cheese: For extra moist and tender meatballs, mix in a couple of tablespoons of ricotta cheese with the meat mixture.
- Chili Flakes: If you enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of chili flakes can add a nice warmth to the meatballs.
Preparation Steps Overview
- Combine Breadcrumbs and Milk: In a large bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with milk and let them soak for a few minutes until absorbed.
- Mix Ingredients: Add the ground meat, egg, cheese, minced garlic, chopped onion, parsley, salt, and pepper to the breadcrumb mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Form Meatballs: With damp hands, form the mixture into balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Cook: You can cook the meatballs by frying, baking, or simmering in sauce until cooked through.
These ingredients and steps will help you create meatballs that are flavorful, moist, and tender, perfect for a variety of dishes. Enjoy experimenting with the optional ingredients to tailor the recipe to your taste!