Spicy Heritage Meatballs
Delve into the flavors of history with these Spicy Heritage Meatballs, inspired by an age-old recipe from 'The Art of Seasoning.' Featuring a delightful blend of ground meats, zesty chili sauce, and the unique kick of Tabasco sauce, these meatballs offer a nod to the culinary traditions that celebrate the rich soil and humid climate of the Tabasco region. Whether served at a festive gathering or as a prelude to a family feast, these meatballs will tantalize your taste buds and spark conversation about the origins of this renowned pepper sauce.
96
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground beef or ground pork
1 1/2 lbs (raw)
Seasoned bread crumbs
1 cup (dry)
Chili sauce
1/2 cup (liquid)
Egg
1 (beaten)
Minced onion
1/4 cup (chopped)
Chopped parsley
2 tablespoons (fresh)
Salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (table)
Tabasco sauce
1/2 teaspoon (liquid)
Crushed garlic
1/2 teaspoon (fresh)
Butter or margarine
3 tablespoons (for frying)
Instructions
1
In a skillet, melt the butter or margarine over medium heat. Add the minced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, seasoned bread crumbs, chili sauce, beaten egg, sautéed onion, chopped parsley, salt, Tabasco sauce, and crushed garlic. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3
Using your hands, shape the mixture into meatballs about one inch in diameter and place them on a baking tray.
4
In the same skillet, pan-fry the meatballs in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each batch for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to achieve a golden brown exterior.
5
Once cooked, transfer the meatballs to a chafing dish and keep warm until ready to serve.
6
Provide food picks alongside the meatballs for easy serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the origin of the Spicy Heritage Meatballs?
These meatballs are inspired by an age-old recipe from the book 'The Art of Seasoning' and celebrate the culinary traditions of the Tabasco region.
What type of meat is recommended for this recipe?
You can use 1 1/2 lbs of either ground beef or ground pork for the base of the meatballs.
How many meatballs does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 96 meatballs, making it ideal for large gatherings.
What size should I make the meatballs?
The meat mixture should be shaped into meatballs that are about one inch in diameter.
How do I prepare the onions for the mixture?
Minced onions should be sautéed in butter or margarine for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.
What ingredients are used to season the meatballs?
The seasoning includes chili sauce, Tabasco sauce, fresh parsley, salt, and crushed garlic.
What binder is used in this meatball recipe?
One beaten egg and one cup of seasoned bread crumbs act as the binding agents for the meat mixture.
How long do the meatballs need to cook?
The meatballs should be pan-fried in batches for about 5-7 minutes until they reach a golden brown exterior.
What is the best way to serve Spicy Heritage Meatballs at a party?
Transfer them to a chafing dish to keep them warm and serve them with food picks for easy access.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either 3 tablespoons of butter or margarine for sautéing and frying.
How much Tabasco sauce is included?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of Tabasco sauce to provide a unique regional kick.
Should the garlic be fresh or powdered?
The recipe specifies 1/2 teaspoon of fresh crushed garlic for the best flavor profile.
What is the role of the chili sauce?
1/2 cup of liquid chili sauce is added to the meat mixture to provide zest and moisture.
Do I need to use seasoned bread crumbs?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 cup of seasoned bread crumbs to enhance the overall flavor.
Are these meatballs considered a spicy dish?
Yes, they are tagged as spicy and feature both chili sauce and Tabasco for a mild to moderate heat.
Is this recipe suitable for a family gathering?
Absolutely, it is specifically tagged for family gatherings and as a great party food.
What cuisine does this recipe represent?
This recipe is categorized under Canadian cuisine and heritage recipes.
How should I mix the ingredients?
Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl and mix well until they are evenly incorporated before shaping.
Should I cook all the meatballs at once?
No, you should pan-fry them in batches to ensure they are not overcrowded and brown evenly.
What preparation is needed for the parsley?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 10 total ingredients required to make these Spicy Heritage Meatballs.
Can I bake these meatballs instead?
While the heritage recipe specifies pan-frying for a golden crust, they could technically be baked, though the texture may vary.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
While the exact serving size is not defined, the total yield is 96 individual appetizers.
Are these meatballs gluten-free?
No, they contain seasoned bread crumbs which typically contain gluten.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt for the entire batch.
Why use a baking tray during preparation?
The baking tray is used to hold the shaped meatballs before they are transferred to the skillet for frying.
What makes this a 'Heritage' recipe?
It is inspired by historical cooking techniques and regional flavors that celebrate the rich soil of the Tabasco region.
Can I use both beef and pork together?
Yes, many cooks prefer a blend of ground beef and pork for better flavor and texture.
How do I know when the onions are ready?
They are ready when they turn translucent and smell fragrant, usually after 3 to 4 minutes of cooking.
What tools do I need for this recipe?
You will need a skillet, a large mixing bowl, a baking tray, and a chafing dish for serving.