Mediterranean-style meatballs, cheesy mashed potatoes, Mediterranean delight, irresistible flavors, culinary journey, mouthwatering recipe, sun-kissed shores.
Welcome, food lovers! Today, I’m thrilled to share with you a sensational recipe that captures the essence of the Mediterranean. Get ready to indulge in the irresistible flavors of our Mediterranean-style meatballs, paired perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes and a touch of cheesy goodness. Prepare to be transported to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean as you savor this mouthwatering dish. Let’s dive into the recipe and embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds!
Ingredients (Serves 4-6):
For the Meatballs:
- 750 grams of ground beef
- 1 onion, grated
- 3 slices of stale bread, soaked in water and squeezed
- 1 egg yolk
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt, to taste
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2-3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 tea glass of milk
- Grated cheddar cheese
- Butter, for extra richness
- Salt, to enhance flavors
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Hot water, as needed
- Oil, for frying
- Grated cheddar cheese, for topping
Instructions:
- Let’s begin by creating the Mediterranean-style meatballs. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, grated onion, soaked bread, egg yolk, parsley, black pepper, cumin, thyme, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are well incorporated. For optimum flavor infusion, you may choose to refrigerate the mixture for 1-2 hours.
- Once the meatball mixture has rested, shape it into walnut-sized balls, slightly flattening them. Arrange the meatballs evenly on a greased baking tray.
- Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius (400 degrees Fahrenheit). Place the tray of meatballs in the oven and bake until they turn golden brown. Once cooked, generously top each meatball with a piece of cheddar cheese and set them aside.
- While the meatballs are baking, let’s prepare the creamy mashed potatoes. Boil the peeled and cubed potatoes until they are tender. Drain the potatoes and mash them while they’re still hot. Add a generous amount of butter, salt, milk, and a handful of grated cheddar cheese. Mix everything together until the mashed potatoes are smooth and creamy.
- Moving on to the tomato sauce, heat some oil in a pan and add the tomato paste. Fry the paste for a minute until it releases its flavors. Gradually add hot water to the pan, stirring continuously, until you achieve a smooth and slightly thick sauce consistency.
- It’s time to bring all the elements together. Take the tray of cooked meatballs and spread a generous layer of mashed potatoes over each meatball. Pour the tomato sauce over the meatballs and mashed potatoes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Return the tray to the hot oven for approximately ten minutes, allowing the meatballs to soak up the flavors of the sauce. Once the time is up, remove the tray from the oven and sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the meatballs.
- Place the tray back in the oven for a few more minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden brown. Your Mediterranean Delight—Mediterranean-style meatballs with cheesy mashed potatoes—are now ready to be savored!
- Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch and serve these delectable meatballs hot. They pair exceptionally well with a refreshing salad or warm bread. Get ready to embark on a Mediterranean culinary journey and delight your taste buds with every exquisite bite!
