Meatballs are both fun and delicious. They are not only fun to eat but also to make. Every culture has its twist on this culinary delight; all of them are fan favourites at restaurants and parties, especially if kids are involved.

Meatballs are convenient to store and serve and their bitesize nature makes them a true indulgence. With so many ways to flavour them, it’s no wonder that they are so popular at buffets, festivals and social gatherings.

But, what are meatballs and how do you cook them to perfection? Let’s roll up our sleeves and some minced meat and get this meatball adventure started.

What are meatballs?

In essence, meatballs are hand-rolled balls of meat that are cooked and flavoured. They are usually made with minced meat, but some cultures use meat cubes. 

Cooking methods vary widely. Some cultures lightly pan fry them, while others deep fry them in batter. You can oven stew, roast and even BBQ them. However you like to make them, one thing is for certain: they are easy to make and taste delicious. 

A meatball world tour 

Whichever part of the world you visit, you are never far away from a beloved meatball dish. You could tour the world for meatball cuisine and write a book about the treasures you discovered. 


Here are some of the meatball dishes you may have never heard of and some that you just love to get your teeth sunk into.

Köttbullar- Sweden’s answer to meatballs. They are traditionally made with beef and have a fluffy texture that just melts in your mouth. They are often enjoyed with lingonberry jam or cranberry sauce with a side of mashed potato and gravy. Not as well known as some of the other cultures’ renditions, but they are not one to miss out on.

Albondigas – A Spanish delight that has many variations across Latin America, this meatball dish is normally made with pork and simmered in a flavoured tomato base sauce. Other vegetables and olives are added for extra flavour and variation. Packed with flavour and passion, this meatball dish is worth venturing out for.

Polpettes – Known all over the world, Italy’s infamous meatballs are loved by everyone everywhere. Made with either beef or pork and seasoned with garlic, parsley and other herbs before cooking in a rich tomato sauce, you just can’t go wrong with these flavour-packed meatballs.

Kefte Tagine – A gift from Morrocco, these lamb-made meatballs are rich in aroma and flavour. The ginger, saffron and tomato sauce ensures that you get a unique and unforgettable dining experience. Several Middle Eastern cultures have tweaked this recipe to produce their own variety, so you have much to look forward to.

Bánh Mì – A South Eastern delight from Vietnam, these crispy meatballs are a joy to eat. They are made with pickled vegetables or pork with herbs and spices and deep-fried giving them a punchy flavour. They are often dipped into an array of sauces, particularly a sweet and sour, or sweet chilli. Asia has so many variations of this dish that you will be spoilt for choice. 

_____________________________________________________________________

Must read: Vietnam Beef Noodle Soup (Pho)

______________________________________________________________________

Best ingredients for your meatball dishes


Each type of meat offers its own meatball experience, so you will have to wet your palate and experiment to see which flavours most grab you. Popular choices the world over include pork, lamb and beef, but chicken and turkey have their place too.

Beef offers a strong balance between lean meat and fat, so just like its cousin the burger patty, it’s a popular choice and for a good reason.

Lamb has one of the most unique flavour profiles of all the meats and it gives meatballs a very mild but delicate twang that is almost addictive, especially when seasoned with mint, parsley or coriander. 

Chicken and turkey, while less popular, offer a milder flavour and a leaner option, which is great if you want a guilt-free bite. 

For extra flavour, you can fry onions or even leave them raw, if you dice them finely enough (a secret from a Greek meatball recipe), and the combination of flavours from blending herbs and spices is literally endless, so put your aprons on and get messy with it.

On that note, here is a meatball recipe that will bring your kitchen to life. 

Spicy kieftere meatballs with Greek yoghurt 

Ingredients

  • 1 pound minced meat (beef, lamb or chicken)
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup chopped red onion
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon chilli powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Greek yoghurt

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the minced meat, breadcrumbs, red onion, parsley, garlic, olive oil, egg, oregano, chilli powder, salt, and pepper. Mix it very well with your hands until everything is evenly blended.
  2. Wet your hands slightly to prevent the ingredients from sticking to your hands.  Gently roll the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.  Add a drizzle of olive oil and swirl to coat the bottom.  Once hot, carefully add the meatballs and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through.
  4. While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the Greek yoghurt sauce.  In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yoghurt, lemon juice, dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.  Taste and adjust seasonings as you desire and to suit your taste preferences.
  5. Once cooked through, transfer the meatballs to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
  6. Serve the meatballs warm on a bed of rice or quinoa, with the Greek yoghurt sauce drizzled on top.  For an extra burst of flavour, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese.

Alternatively, why not try our sweet chilli meatballs or our mediterranean meatballs.

Final thoughts 

Meatballs are a fan favourite everywhere. Perfect for feasts and food fights, they are simply balls of joy. The very mention of them gets people excited no matter their age. Fun to eat and taste great, you will definitely elevate the mood of any social gathering and kids love them all year round.

Our recipe is a fantastic starting point for your meatball adventures and hopefully, it will spark your creativity to experiment with new flavours. You could substitute beef or chicken for ground lamb and add a touch of mint to the sauce for a Middle Eastern twist.  Or, swap the breadcrumbs for grated zucchini for a lighter and more moist meatball.

The possibilities are truly endless and here at Halal Origins we not only want you to have the finest ingredients, but to enjoy cooking and eating them, so grab your ingredients, gather your loved ones, and get ready to embark on a delicious culinary journey around the world, one meatball at a time.