5 Delicious Sardinian Meatball Recipes You Must Try

With its rich culinary traditions, Sardinia offers a delightful array of meatball recipes that are both unique and flavorful. These meatballs, known for their hearty and aromatic profiles, are a must-try for food enthusiasts looking to explore the island's gastronomic offerings.

Sardinian Meatballs with Tomato Sauce

Begin your Sardinian meatball journey with a classic recipe that showcases the island's love for tomatoes and herbs:

• Ingredients:
  • 450g ground beef
  • 200g fresh breadcrumbs
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 can of whole peeled tomatoes
• Instructions:
  1. Mix the beef, breadcrumbs, garlic, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl until well combined.
  2. Form small meatballs and brown them in a pan with some olive oil.
  3. After browning, remove the meatballs from the pan.
  4. In the same pan, add the canned tomatoes, breaking them into smaller pieces, and cook for 10 minutes.
  5. Return the meatballs to the pan, cover, and let them simmer in the sauce for 20 minutes.

🍽 Note: For an authentic flavor, use Sardinian tomatoes if available, or opt for San Marzano for a sweet, rich taste.

Pecorino Meatballs

Sardinians often pair their meats with the island's prized Pecorino cheese, which adds a salty tang to the meatballs:

• Ingredients:
  • 500g ground pork
  • 100g grated Pecorino Sardo
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 eggs
  • Fresh basil and oregano
  • Black pepper and a pinch of nutmeg
• Instructions:
  1. Soak breadcrumbs in milk, then add the pork, Pecorino, eggs, herbs, and seasonings.
  2. Shape into meatballs and either fry or bake until golden.
  3. Serve with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprig of fresh basil for garnish.

🧀 Note: Pecorino can be substituted with Parmigiano-Reggiano if Sardinian cheese is hard to find.

Fregola and Meatball Soup

This comforting soup combines meatballs with Sardinian fregola, creating a one-of-a-kind dish:

• Ingredients:
  • 300g ground lamb or beef
  • 100g fregola pasta
  • Vegetable or chicken stock
  • Onion, carrots, and celery for the base
  • Fresh thyme, rosemary, and parsley
• Instructions:
  1. Prepare the meatballs by combining ground meat, herbs, salt, and pepper.
  2. Cook the base vegetables in olive oil, then add stock and bring to a simmer.
  3. Add meatballs and let them cook for 10 minutes before adding fregola. Simmer until the pasta is al dente.
  4. Finish with a sprinkle of parsley for freshness.

Saffron Meatballs

Saffron, a luxurious spice often used in Sardinian cuisine, elevates the flavor of these meatballs:

• Ingredients:
  • 400g ground veal
  • A pinch of saffron threads
  • 3 tablespoons of white wine
  • 1/2 cup of crushed almonds
  • Fresh mint and lemon zest
  • One beaten egg
  • Butter or olive oil for frying
• Instructions:
  1. Soak saffron in warm wine until dissolved.
  2. Mix all ingredients together, shape into meatballs, and fry until golden brown.
  3. Serve with a lemon wedge to squeeze over for added zesty flavor.

🌶 Note: Saffron can be pricey; use it sparingly for its unique flavor and color, or substitute with a little turmeric for a similar color but different taste.

Gnocchi alla Campidanese with Meatballs

Gnocchi, a beloved Sardinian dish, pairs wonderfully with the rustic meatballs for a hearty meal:

• Ingredients:
  • 500g potato gnocchi
  • 300g ground pork
  • 1/4 cup Pecorino Romano, grated
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • Tomato passata
  • Mint and sage leaves
• Instructions:
  1. Prepare the meatballs with the pork, onion, cheese, and herbs, then brown them.
  2. In a separate pot, cook the gnocchi, then drain and set aside.
  3. Combine meatballs, tomato passata, and simmer together, then add the gnocchi to the sauce.
  4. Serve hot, topped with extra Pecorino and fresh mint.

Each of these Sardinian meatball recipes brings a distinct taste of the island to your table, showcasing the culinary heritage and the flavors that make Sardinia's cuisine unique. Whether it's the rich tomato sauce, the delicate aroma of saffron, or the comforting texture of fregola in soup, these dishes will transport you to the heart of Mediterranean gastronomy.

Can I substitute Pecorino Sardo with another cheese?

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Yes, you can use Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano-Reggiano as substitutes for Pecorino Sardo, though the flavor profile might be slightly different.

What makes Sardinian meatballs different from others?

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Sardinian meatballs are known for their use of local ingredients like Pecorino cheese, fregola, saffron, and the distinct flavors of Sardinian herbs and spices, giving them a unique taste.

Are there any vegetarian options for these meatball recipes?

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While traditional recipes focus on meat, you can adapt by using plant-based meat alternatives or combining ingredients like chickpeas, lentils, or vegetables with cheese and herbs to create a vegetarian version.

How can I store leftover meatballs?

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Cool the meatballs completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

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Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and refrigerate them up to a day ahead or freeze them. Cook them from frozen or thaw them overnight before cooking.

Related Terms:

• meatball recipes sardinia