Typically every Sunday I make a big meal for my family. Everyone sits around the table, catches-up on the past week and enjoys each other’s company. And, one of my family’s favorite Sunday dinners is spaghetti and meatballs. They love the aroma of the sauce simmering all day. I love the meatballs added to the sauce. There is something about a meatball that makes me happy – little bites of meaty-goodness in my eyes.
But, a great meatball doesn’t have to be served in a red sauce over some pasta (even though it is pretty tasty that way!). Meatballs can be made in a variety of ways.
A Chinese twist on meatballs? Why not! Candace Vaughan’s Chinese Meatballs with Rice is one easy dinner. “This recipe is easy and kids can join in too,” says Candace. I love a recipe my grandson can help with. The water chestnuts add a delightful crunch to these yummy meatballs. Not to mention the terrific flavor of the sesame oil.
Marybeth Mank’s Mom’s Swedish Meatballs really pack in a lot of flavor. “This recipe calls for consomme which has a stronger flavor than regular beef broth,” explains Marybeth. The Kitchen Crew loved the addition of consomme to this recipe. These meatballs are terrific on their own or with a crisp salad and warm bread. Moms always do make things best, don’t they!
Your taste buds are going to love Didi Dalaba’s Greek Creamy Lemon Meatballs (aka Avgolemono). “This is the best down home comfort food,” says Didi. Yum, yum, yum is how I would describe these. This recipe is a refreshing take on a classic comfort food. Sign me up for seconds with this dish!
Once you make Christine Whisenhunt’s Sweet and Sour Meatballs once, your family is going to ask you for these again and again. “We’ve all had those ‘potluck meatballs in sauce’ but to this day I still think this is the best sauce I’ve ever had on them,” says Christine. She’s right! The sweet & sour sauce is a real winner. With it’s smooth, fresh flavors it’s great on the meatballs. But would be delightful on other meats as well.
I love the memories that come with making a recipe that’s been handed down through generations. I imagine Kat Ryan has that same feeling when she makes her Norwegian Meatballs and Rice. “This recipe was passed down from my grandma and always is a home run with guests and family,” says Kat. The mix of meat in these meatballs is really good. They are great on rice as Kat suggests. But, would be tasty over some noodles too.
Next time you want to switch things up a little, think about putting a tasty twist on the traditional meatball. Hopefully these recipes will inspire you to get creative in your kitchen. I’d love to hear what twists you come up with!