Meatballs Simmered With Leeks Keftedes Prassoselino Recipes

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375°. In a large bowl, combine eggs, water, onion, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic and seasonings; mix well. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into 1-1/2-in. balls. Place meatballs on greased racks in shallow baking pans. Bake, uncovered, until no longer pink, 15-18 minutes. , Freeze option: Freeze cooled meatballs in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in the microwave.

Steps:

• Make the Meatballs:.
• Combine all the meatball ingredients in a large bowl and knead well.
• Cover and refrigerate for an hour.
• When ready to cook them, shape into golf ball sized portions (around 30).
• Place a large, heavy skillet over medium heat.
• Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides; do this in batches (do not over-cook, they will cook further with the leeks).
• Remove meat to a plate and pour off all the accumulated fat in the skillet.
• Reduce heat to low, add 4 tablespoons of butter and scrape up any bits of fond.
• Add the leeks and celery and slowly saute, stirring occasionally for about 8 minutes.
• Season with salt, pepper and paprika.
• Add the meatballs and stir everything together.
• Add just enough water to come about two thirds of the way up the meatballs.
• Cover and simmer over very low heat for about an hour, checking occasionally to make sure there is sufficient liquid to prevent scorching.
• If you like (it does add amazing richness to the dish), swirl two tablespoons of butter in the pan, tipping it to distribute the butter throughout the meat and leeks.
• Remove from heat, rest briefly, and serve.

Steps:

• Combine the ground pork and onion in a mixing bowl. Add the tomato, mint, salt, and pepper, and knead well for 3 minutes to combine. Pour in the milk and continue kneading until the liquid is completely absorbed. If the mixture is so loose that the keftedes do not retain their shape, add a few tablespoonfuls of plain fine bread crumb. Cover the mixing bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour or up to 6 hours, so that the flavors meld.
• To form, season the flour with salt and pepper, and spread out on a large plate. Have a second, clean plate ready. Take a tablespoonful at a time of the meat mixture and form into a small ball, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Roll in the flour and shake in the palm of your hand to remove the excess flour. Place the dredged meatball on the clean plate. Continue with the remaining mixture until all the meatballs are shaped.
• To fry, heat about 1-inch of olive oil or other oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat. Using a tablespoon or small spatula, gently place as many meatballs as will fit in the pan without crowding. Fry them, turning once or twice so that all sides are browned. Remove, drain slightly on paper towels, and serve, either hot or at room temperature. The meatballs may be made several hours ahead and stored, covered, at room temperature.

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, saute the leeks and onion in the olive oil until softened, 4-5 minutes. Add 1/2 cup water and tomato paste and bring temperature down to simmer. Cover saucepan and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Add rice and 5 cups hot liquid, bring to boil, cover and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Stir in dill and lemon zest and juice. Remove from heat and allow to 'sit' for anywhere from 35=45 minutes before serving. The risotto will absorb extra liquid during this time, but remain creamy and hot.
• Serve with freshly-grated parmesan and cracked black pepper.