MEATBALL 

Making delicious meatballs requires a blend of ingredients that contribute to their flavor, moisture and texture. Here’s a full list of ingredients typically used to make meatballs, along with optional add-ons to customize them. This recipe serves as a versatile base, perfect as a side dish to pasta, sandwiches, or alone with your favorite sauce.

 Ingredients

Ground beef: 1 pound (approx. 450 g). For more flavor, you can use beef, pork, turkey, chicken, or a mix of beef and pork.• Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup (approx. 60 g). The breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs and retain moisture. For a softer consistency, you can use fresh breadcrumbs or panko.

• Milk: 1/4 cup (approx. 60 ml). Milk is used to moisten the breadcrumbs, which makes the meatballs tender.You can substitute with water or broth if preferred.
• Egg: 1 large. The egg acts as a binder, holding the meatball mixture together.
• Cheese: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese for added flavor.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.Garlic adds depth and flavor to the meatballs.
• Onion: 1/4 cup finely chopped. The onion provides sweetness and texture.
• Parsley: 2 tablespoons fresh, chopped. Parsley provides freshness and color.You can also use other herbs like basil or oregano for different flavor profiles.
• Salt and pepper: To taste. These spices are essential to bring out the flavor of the meat and other ingredients.

 Optional ingredients for taste and texture

• Soaked bread: Instead of breadcrumbs, you can also use 2 slices of bread soaked in milk or water and then finely crumbled. This allows the meatballs to become even more tender.• Spices and herbs: Feel free to add spices like paprika, cumin or dried herbs like oregano, thyme or basil for extra flavor.
• Grated Vegetables: Adding grated vegetables such as carrots, zucchini or mushrooms can improve the moisture and nutritional content of meatballs.
• Ricotta Cheese: For tender, extra moist meatballs, mix  a few tablespoons of ricotta cheese into the meat mixture.
• Chili flakes: If you like things a little spicy, a pinch of chili flakes can give the meatballs a nice heat. Overview of the preparation steps

1.Mix breadcrumbs and milk: In a large bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the milk and let  soak for a few minutes until absorbed.

2. Mix ingredients: Add minced meat, egg, cheese, chopped garlic, chopped onions, parsley, salt and pepper to the breadcrumb mixture. Mix until well combined, being careful not to over mix.

3.Form into meatballs: Using wet hands, form the mixture into balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.

4. Cooking: You can cook the meatballs by frying, baking, or simmering them in sauce until cooked through.

With these ingredients and steps  you can make flavorful, juicy and tender meatballs that are  perfect for a variety of dishes.Feel free to experiment with  optional ingredients to customize the recipe to your taste!