Savory Ham Delight Balls
Indulge in the hearty flavors of these Savory Ham Delight Balls, perfect for any gathering or family meal. Made from finely ground ham and enriched with delectable seasonings, these tender meatballs are pan-browned for a crispy exterior and then smothered in a creamy dill sauce. Serve them on a bed of noodles for a comforting dish that’s sure to impress your guests. Enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors and textures in every bite, and don’t forget to pair with your favorite sides!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dry Breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (Measure out and set aside.)
Green Onion
1/4 cup (Finely chop.)
Garlic Powder
1/2 teaspoon (Optional - add for extra flavor.)
Dried Dill Weed
3 teaspoons, divided (Use 1 teaspoon for the meat mixture and save the rest for the sauce.)
Milk or Half-and-Half
1/4 cup (Measure out and stir into the mixture.)
Egg
1 (Lightly beaten.)
Dijon Mustard
1 teaspoon (Measure out.)
Fresh Ground Black Pepper
to taste (Add according to preference.)
Fully-Cooked Ground Ham
1 lb (Chop into smaller pieces if needed before mixing.)
Butter
1-2 tablespoons (Use for frying.)
Oil
1-2 tablespoons (Use for frying.)
Flour
2 tablespoons (Set aside for thickening the sauce.)
Water
1 cup (Measure out.)
Sour Cream
1 cup (Have ready for sauce incorporation.)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine dry breadcrumbs, finely chopped green onion, garlic powder (if using), 1 tablespoon of fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried dill), milk or half-and-half, beaten egg, Dijon mustard, and black pepper to taste.
2
Add the chopped fully-cooked ground ham and mix until evenly combined. Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls.
3
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Carefully add the ham balls to the skillet and cook until they’re golden brown on all sides, adding additional butter and oil as needed.
4
Once browned, remove the ham balls from the skillet and transfer them to a warm serving dish, covering them to keep warm.
5
In the same skillet, drain excess drippings and reduce heat to low. Gradually sprinkle in the flour, whisking to create a smooth roux.
6
Slowly add water to the roux, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
7
Stir in the sour cream, remaining dill, and additional black pepper; heat through without bringing to a boil.
8
Pour the creamy dill sauce over the warm ham balls and serve immediately over a bed of freshly cooked noodles.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Ham Delight Balls?
Savory Ham Delight Balls are tender meatballs made from ground ham and seasonings, pan-browned and served in a creamy dill sauce over noodles.
What is the main protein used in this recipe?
The main protein is 1 pound of fully-cooked ground ham.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
What size should I shape the ham balls?
The mixture should be shaped into 1-inch balls.
What ingredients are used as binders for the ham balls?
The binders include 1/2 cup of dry breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of milk or half-and-half, and one lightly beaten egg.
What type of mustard is recommended for this dish?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard.
Can I use fresh dill instead of dried?
Yes, you can use 1 tablespoon of fresh dill or 1 teaspoon of dried dill for the meatball mixture.
How do I cook the ham balls?
Heat 1 tablespoon each of oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat and cook the balls until golden brown on all sides.
How is the creamy dill sauce prepared?
The sauce is made by creating a roux with flour and skillet drippings, adding water to thicken, and then stirring in sour cream and dill.
How much sour cream is required for the sauce?
You will need 1 cup of sour cream to create the creamy sauce.
Is garlic powder required for this recipe?
Garlic powder is optional and can be added for extra flavor if desired.
What should I serve the ham balls with?
The ham balls and sauce are best served over a bed of freshly cooked noodles.
How much dill is needed in total for the recipe?
The recipe uses 3 teaspoons of dried dill weed in total, divided between the ham mixture and the sauce.
What preparation is needed for the green onions?
You should finely chop 1/4 cup of green onion before adding it to the mixing bowl.
How much flour is used for thickening the sauce?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of flour to thicken the sauce.
Should the sauce be brought to a boil?
No, the sauce should be heated through without bringing it to a boil once the sour cream is added.
How much liquid is added to the sauce roux?
Gradually add 1 cup of water to the flour mixture while stirring constantly.
What should I do with the ham balls once they are browned?
Transfer them to a warm serving dish and cover them to keep them warm while you prepare the sauce.
What kind of fat is used for frying the ham balls?
A combination of butter and oil (1-2 tablespoons each) is used for frying.
Is the ham ground before or after mixing?
The ham should be finely ground and chopped into small pieces before mixing with the other ingredients.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Associated tags include ham, meatballs, savory, comfort food, dill sauce, pasta, and family recipe.
How should the egg be prepared?
The egg should be lightly beaten before being added to the mixing bowl.
Can I use half-and-half instead of milk?
Yes, 1/4 cup of either milk or half-and-half can be used in the meat mixture.
What seasoning is added to the sauce besides dill?
Additional fresh ground black pepper is stirred into the sauce to taste.
Should I drain the skillet before making the sauce?
Yes, you should drain excess drippings from the skillet before reducing the heat to low to start the roux.
How do I ensure the sauce is smooth?
Whisk the flour into the remaining drippings to create a roux and stir constantly while slowly adding water.
How long should I cook the ham balls in the skillet?
Cook them over medium heat until they are golden brown on all sides.
What is the texture of the ham balls?
They are designed to be tender on the inside with a crispy browned exterior.
Is the ham used in this recipe raw?
No, the recipe specifically requires fully-cooked ground ham.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It is a savory and comforting dish featuring salty ham, tangy mustard, and a creamy, herbaceous dill sauce.