Whether you grew up with an American grandma or Italian nonna, you’ll always remember her meatballs. Moist and savory comfort food. But an outdated reliance on Italian bread crumbs, high in sodium and flavored with dried herbs, deserves a modern upgrade. Try Japanese panko with fresh parsley and rosemary. Imported brand Sushi Chef or Trader Joe’s both make a great product.
Gourmet Upgrade: Japanese Panko and Fresh Herbs
Tip: Avoid overworking the meat. Mix until just combined to keep texture loose rather than dense.
Pairing: Try Noble Vines 181 Merlot. Supple tannins and generous cherry flavors layered with vanilla and oak, complement the richness of the meatballs.
Published: November 13, 2018
Ingredients
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, whisk egg, adding Parmesan, parsley, rosemary, salt, and black pepper to taste. With hands, gently mix meat thoroughly with egg. Add onions, garlic, panko and gently mix. Form into 1 1/2-inch wide balls. In a frying pan, warm olive oil over medium high. Add meatballs in batches, searing evenly on all sides. Transfer meatballs to a glass baking dish and bake 15-20 minutes until meatballs feel firm or register 165°F on an instant-read thermometer.
