Savory Meatballs in Creamy White Sauce
Savory Meatballs in Creamy White Sauce is a classic comfort food that evokes warm memories of home-cooked meals shared with family. This traditional dish, originating in many Canadian kitchens, features tender meatballs made from lean ground beef, seasoned with a rich blend of spices. The meatballs are simmered in a luscious white sauce, creating a dish that is both hearty and comforting. Traditionally served over fluffy rice or tender noodles, this recipe brings a wholesome touch to any dinner table. Perfect for family gatherings, this dish not only satisfies with its flavors but also warms the heart with nostalgia.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lean Ground Beef
1 lb (raw)
Ground Cloves
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Medium Onion
1 (grated)
Poultry Seasoning
2 teaspoons
Flour
1/4 cup (for thickening)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef, grated onion, ground cloves, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
2
Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
3
In a large saucepan, add enough water to cover the meatballs completely. Bring the water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
4
Carefully drop the meatballs into the boiling water one at a time. Avoid crowding the pot to maintain the boil.
5
Cook the meatballs for about 30 minutes, or until the liquid is reduced to approximately 1 cup.
6
To thicken the sauce, whisk in the flour gradually. Continue to stir until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. If the sauce becomes too thick, simply add more water to adjust.
7
Taste and adjust the seasonings as necessary, then serve the meatballs hot over a bed of rice, noodles, or enjoy them on their own.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Meatballs in Creamy White Sauce?
Savory Meatballs in Creamy White Sauce is a classic Canadian comfort food featuring tender lean ground beef meatballs seasoned with cloves and poultry seasoning, simmered in a luscious white sauce.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of lean ground beef.
How long do the meatballs need to cook?
The meatballs should be cooked in boiling water for approximately 30 minutes.
What seasonings are used for the meatballs?
The meatballs are seasoned with ground cloves, poultry seasoning, salt, pepper, and grated onion.
What is the origin of this dish?
This dish is a traditional recipe originating from many Canadian kitchens, often served as a hearty family meal.
How do I thicken the white sauce?
The sauce is thickened by gradually whisking in 1/4 cup of flour into the reduced cooking liquid.
What should I serve with these meatballs?
They are traditionally served over a bed of fluffy rice or tender noodles.
How big should the meatballs be?
The meat mixture should be shaped into uniform 1-inch meatballs for even cooking.
How much liquid should remain before thickening the sauce?
You should cook the meatballs until the liquid has reduced to approximately 1 cup.
What if the sauce becomes too thick?
If the sauce is too thick after adding flour, simply add more water to adjust it to your desired consistency.
How should the onion be prepared?
One medium onion should be grated before being mixed into the ground beef.
What is the best way to add meatballs to the boiling water?
Carefully drop the meatballs into the boiling water one at a time and avoid crowding the pot.
Is the meat browned before boiling?
No, in this traditional recipe, the meatballs are added directly to rolling boiling water to cook.
How much poultry seasoning is required?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of poultry seasoning.
How much ground cloves should I add?
Use 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves for the meat mixture.
Can I adjust the seasonings at the end?
Yes, you should taste and adjust the salt and pepper as necessary before serving.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 primary ingredients: beef, cloves, salt, pepper, onion, poultry seasoning, and flour.
What heat setting should I use for boiling?
Use medium-high heat to bring the water to a rolling boil and maintain the temperature while cooking.
Is this recipe suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, it is described as a perfect dish for family gatherings that evokes nostalgia and warmth.
Does the sauce contain cream or milk?
The 'creamy' texture is achieved by thickening the reduced meat broth with flour rather than using actual cream.
What is the purpose of the flour in this recipe?
The flour is used specifically for thickening the cooking liquid into a sauce.
Is the ground beef raw when mixed?
Yes, the raw lean ground beef is mixed with the spices and onion before being shaped and boiled.
How do I ensure even cooking of the meatballs?
Ensuring all meatballs are shaped into a uniform 1-inch size helps them cook at the same rate.
Can I serve these meatballs on their own?
Yes, while traditionally served over rice or noodles, they can also be enjoyed on their own.
Is this a savory or sweet dish?
This is a savory dish, characterized by the use of beef and traditional savory poultry seasonings.
What type of saucepan should I use?
A large saucepan is recommended to ensure there is enough room for the water and meatballs.
How much water is needed initially?
You should add enough water to the saucepan to cover the meatballs completely.
Why is poultry seasoning used with beef?
Poultry seasoning adds a classic, herbaceous depth of flavor that is traditional in this Canadian meatball recipe.
How do I avoid lumps in the sauce?
Whisk the flour in gradually while stirring continuously to create a smooth consistency.
What is the texture of the meatballs?
The meatballs are described as tender due to the boiling method and the addition of grated onion.