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Fennel Pork Meatballs

Fennel Pork Meatballs
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Flavorful, easy-to-make Fennel Pork Meatballs perfect for quick dinners that deliver savory, juicy bites infused with aromatic fennel spice. This comforting dish combines tender pork with toasted fennel seeds and fresh herbs, creating an irresistible meal that is both simple and versatile.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatball Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 1 tablespoon fennel seeds (toasted and crushed)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free option)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or pecorino/asiago as a variation)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Fennel Seeds: Dry-toast the fennel seeds in a pan over medium heat for about 2 minutes until fragrant, then crush them lightly to release their full aroma.
  2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground pork, toasted crushed fennel seeds, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, breadcrumbs, egg, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper until evenly distributed without overmixing.
  3. Shape the Meatballs: Form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, ensuring they are compact but not packed too tightly.
  4. Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches and brown all sides evenly, cooking for about 8 to 10 minutes total until cooked through and juicy inside.
  5. Finish and Serve: Remove the cooked meatballs from the skillet and let them rest briefly before serving alongside your favorite sides or sauces.

Notes

  • Use freshly ground pork for best tenderness and flavor.
  • Mix ingredients just until combined to keep meatballs tender.
  • Toast fennel seeds to unlock their aromatic oils for maximum flavor.
  • Cook one meatball first to test seasoning, adjust if needed before cooking the rest.
  • For gluten-free option, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free crumbs.
  • Optionally add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or grated zucchini/carrot for extra moisture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Fennel pork meatballs, quick dinner, savory meatballs, aromatic fennel, Italian appetizers, gluten-free meatballs

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/fennel-pork-meatballs/