Meatballs with Dried Herbs and Vegetables
1 lb (450g) ground beef (or any ground meat of your choice)
1 large egg
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp dried onion flakes (or onion powder)
1 tbsp dried garlic powder
1 tsp dried parsley (or 1 tbsp if you have dried parsley flakes)
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil (optional for extra depth of flavor)
1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)
1/2 tsp paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
1 tbsp tomato powder (optional, for a richer taste)
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
Prepare the Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, dried onion flakes, garlic powder, dried parsley, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, paprika, tomato powder (if using), salt, and pepper.
Mix everything together well with your hands or a spoon until fully combined. The dried vegetables (onion flakes, garlic powder, etc.) will rehydrate slightly during the mixing process, so the mixture should still be moist.
Form the Meatballs:
Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. This should yield about 16-20 meatballs depending on the size.
Cook the Meatballs:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in batches. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan to ensure they cook evenly.
Cook for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meatballs are browned on all sides and cooked through (internal temperature should be 160°F / 71°C).
Baking Instructions:
Preheat your oven: Set it to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare a baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Place the meatballs on the sheet: Arrange the meatballs in a single layer, making sure they're not overcrowded to ensure even cooking.
Bake: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are browned on the outside and cooked through. You can check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer, and it should read 160°F (71°C).