French Onion Meatballs

In the world of culinary creations, there’s a certain dish that perfectly marries the comforting essence of traditional French onion soup with the hearty appeal of meatballs. It’s a recipe that takes you on a flavorful journey to the heart of French cuisine, without leaving the comfort of your home. Today, let’s embark on this gastronomic adventure as we delve into the making of French Onion Meatballs, a dish that promises to become a staple in your cooking repertoire.

Ingredients to Gather

First things first, let’s talk ingredients. To ensure the success of this dish, fresh and quality ingredients play a pivotal role. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 ½ cups fresh breadcrumbs (panko works beautifully too)
• ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons whole milk
• 1 ½ pounds organic ground beef (85/15 ratio for that perfect moistness)
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley for a hint of freshness
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, with a bit extra for garnishing
• 1 teaspoon herbes de Provence, the essence of French cuisine
• Salt and black pepper to taste, ensuring each bite is seasoned perfectly
• ½ onion, finely minced for that subtle crunch and flavor
• 4 cloves garlic, pressed, because garlic is life
• ¾ cup grated Gruyere cheese, divided (because what’s French cooking without Gruyere?)
• 1 egg, whisked, to bind all the goodness together
• 1 cup shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese for that melty topping

For the French Onion Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided, for cooking and flavor
• 2 tablespoons ghee or butter, because richness is key
• 2 ½ onions, halved and sliced, the star of the show
• More salt and black pepper, to perfectly season the sauce
• 4 cloves garlic, pressed, for that indispensable garlic punch
• 1 teaspoon herbes de Provence and 1 teaspoon dried thyme, because herbs make everything better
• ¼ cup sherry (or white wine), to deglaze and add depth
• 1 ½ tablespoons flour, to thicken the sauce to perfection
• 2 ¼ cups beef stock, for that robust base
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, because fresh herbs elevate everything

The Art of Making French Onion Meatballs

Preparation:

1. Begin by Mixing: Combine breadcrumbs with milk and let them soak. This is your secret to moist meatballs. Next, mix in the ground beef, soaked breadcrumbs, herbs, seasoning, onion, garlic, a portion of Gruyere, and egg. Form this mixture into meatballs and let them chill, firming up for the cooking process.
2. Sear to Perfection: Heat some olive oil in a skillet and sear the meatballs until they’re beautifully browned. Remove and set them aside, leaving the flavors in the skillet for the next step.
3. Caramelized Onions: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed, along with the ghee or butter. Add the onions, seasoning them with salt and pepper, and cook until they’re caramelized. Stir in the garlic, herbs, and then deglaze with sherry or white wine.
4. Create the Sauce: Sprinkle flour over the onions, stir well, then pour in the beef stock, simmering to thicken. Add fresh thyme for that last touch of herbaceous freshness.
5. Combine and Broil: Return the meatballs to the skillet, nestling them in the sauce. Sprinkle the remaining Gruyere and the mozzarella cheese over the top. Broil until the cheese is bubbly and golden, a sight to behold and a taste to savor.

Serving Suggestion

Prepare your palate for a journey to France with each bite of these French Onion Meatballs. Serve them over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, a side of crusty bread, or even over pasta to soak up all that glorious sauce. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience.

Nutritional Information

For those interested in the nutritional aspects, this dish is approximately 450 kcal per serving, making it a hearty and satisfying option. It yields about 6 servings, perfect for a family dinner or for entertaining friends.

Closing Thoughts

The French Onion Meatballs recipe is more than just a dish; it’s a testament to the power of combining simple ingredients to create something extraordinarily delicious. With a prep time of 30 minutes and a cook time of an hour, this dish is a perfect weekend project that promises to fill your home with mouthwatering aromas and your dining table with smiles. So, don your chef’s hat and embark on this culinary

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