Hungarian Meatballs with Sour Cherries and Pine Nuts
These Hungarian Meatballs combine ground veal and chicken with the unique flavors of dried sour cherries, pine nuts, and warm spices. Inspired by Eastern European cuisine, this dish offers a distinctive taste that stands out from more familiar meatball recipes.
Equipment
- Measuring cups
- spatula
- Mixing spoon
Ingredients
- ½ pound of ground veal
- ½ pound of ground chicken
- 1 onion peeled and finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves peeled and crushed
- ¼ cup of dried sour cherries chopped
- ½ cup of pine nuts chopped and lightly toasted
- ½ teaspoon Hungarian paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon of ground allspice
- ⅛ teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1 egg white lightly whipped
- 1 small bunch of fresh cilantro finely chopped
- 1 small bunch of fresh mint finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground veal and ground chicken.
- Mix well until evenly combined.
- Add the finely chopped onion, crushed garlic, chopped dried sour cherries, toasted pine nuts, Hungarian paprika, ground allspice, and cinnamon to the meat mixture.
- Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Gently fold in the lightly whipped egg white, mixing again to combine.
- Incorporate the finely chopped fresh cilantro and mint into the mixture, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix one final time to ensure an even distribution of all ingredients.
- Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until they are fully cooked and browned on all sides.
- This should take about 10 minutes per batch.
- Serve the meatballs hot or at room temperature, either on their own or with your choice of side dish.
Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:
Pair with a medium-bodied red wine like a Hungarian Egri Bikavér or a Merlot to complement the rich, savory flavors and the sweet-tart notes of the dried sour cherries.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 320 kcal | Carbohydrates: 10 g | Protein: 25 g | Fat: 20 g | Fiber: 2 g | Sugar: 4 g | Salt: 600 mg
