Apricot meatballs are a tantalizing blend of sweet and savory flavors, capturing the essence of both fruity zest and meaty goodness. This delectable dish transports taste buds to culinary heaven, where the delicate tartness of apricots harmoniously complements the savory richness of meatballs. Whether served as an appetizer, main course, or party snack, apricot meatballs promise to tantalize and impress, leaving a lasting impression on all who indulge in their delectable charm.
Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!
APRICOT MEATBALLS
This is one of my husband's favorites. It makes an easy meal for Sunday dinner. The tangy barbecue sauce gets a hint of sweetness from apricot preserves. - Lorenda Spain, Dumas, Texas.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 1h
Yield 4 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- In a bowl, combine the first four ingredients. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into 1-in. balls. In a skillet, brown meatballs in several batches; drain. Transfer to a greased 2-qt. baking dish. Combine preserves and barbecue sauce; pour over meatballs. Cover and bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until the meat is no longer pink.
Nutrition Facts :
TURKEY MEATBALLS IN APRICOT SAUCE WITH MINT AND ALMONDS
Kids will love the sweetness that apricots lend these spiced turkey meatballs-and the soft, almost fluffy consistency, since they don't get seared. The dried fruit steeps with cinnamon and chicken broth, then gets puréed with onion, melding into a bubbling sauce with a subtle spice. Don't bypass chilling the formed balls before plunking them in-this gives the breadcrumbs time to hydrate, and the meat a chance to firm up.
Provided by Greg Lofts
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Meat & Poultry Turkey Recipes Ground Turkey Recipes
Time 1h50m
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large straight-sided skillet or braiser over medium. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft but no color has developed, about 5 minutes. Remove half of onion and reserve. Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil, garlic, ginger, coriander, turmeric, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper to onion in skillet, stirring to combine. Cook until fragrant, about 45 seconds. Transfer to a large bowl, reserving skillet (do not wipe clean); stir breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup broth into bowl with spiced onion. Let cool slightly.
- Add turkey, mint, egg, and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt to bowl, gently stirring to combine (do not overwork, or meatballs with be tough). With dampened hands, form into golf-ball-size meatballs and transfer to a parchment-lined tray (you should have about 20, each roughly 2 inches in diameter). Refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes or, loosely covered, up to 1 day.
- Meanwhile, combine apricots, cinnamon stick, and remaining 2 3/4 cups broth in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, until apricots are very soft and plump, about 15 minutes. Let cool slightly; discard cinnamon. Transfer to a blender with reserved onion and purée until smooth.
- Melt 2 tablespoons butter in reserved skillet over medium-high. Add tomato paste and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in apricot mixture and bring to a boil. Gently nestle meatballs into sauce. Lower heat, partially cover (leaving about a 1-inch steam vent), and simmer, turning meatballs a few times, until almost cooked through and sauce has thickened and darkened slightly, 15 to 17 minutes.
- Uncover and continue to simmer until sauce reduces to a thick gravy, about 5 minutes more. Meanwhile, melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add almonds and cook, stirring occasionally, until nutty and golden in places, 2 to 3 minutes. Top meatballs with almonds and mint leaves; serve.
KOFTA MISHMISHEYA (LAMB MEATBALLS IN APRICOT SAUCE)
This is a recipe I have not yet tried. but it is from "The Book of Jewish Food" by Claudia Roden, and every single recipe I have made from that book so far has been a winner! This recipe originates in Iraq, and appeared originally in a 13th century Baghdad cookbook.
Provided by Susiecat too
Categories Lamb/Sheep
Time 1h
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- In a large frying pan, fry the onion in oil until golden.
- With your hands, work the meat into a paste with the dried lime, cloves, allspice, 3/4 tsp salt, and pepper, and roll into walnut-sized balls.
- Add them to the pan and cook, turning them to brown all over.
- Stir in the tomato paste, add the drained apricots and the currants or raisins, and cover with water.
- Simmer about 25 minutes.
- Crush the apricots a bit with a fork, add lemon juice and sugar and a little salt and pepper, and simmer for another 20 minutes.
- Serve over rice.
APRICOT SWEET AND SOUR MEATBALLS
An Asian-inspired sauce raises the flavor standard for ordinary meatballs.
Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Appetizer
Time 45m
Yield 40
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 15 x10-inch pan with sides with cooking spray.
- Mix beef, bread crumbs, salt, garlic powder, ginger and egg until well blended. Shape into 1-inch meatballs; place in pan. Bake uncovered 20 to 25 minutes or until no longer pink in center and juice is clear; drain.
- In 2-quart saucepan, mix preserves, hoisin sauce, vinegar and red pepper. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. Add drained meatballs and bell pepper. Cook until bell pepper is crisp-tender. Serve with cocktail toothpicks.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 60, Carbohydrate 4 g, Cholesterol 15 mg, Fiber 0 g, Protein 4 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, ServingSize 1 Appetizer, Sodium 55 mg
Tips:
- Use fresh apricots. Fresh apricots have a more vibrant flavor than dried apricots. If you're using dried apricots, be sure to soak them in warm water for 30 minutes before using.
- Don't overcook the meatballs. Overcooked meatballs will be dry and tough. Cook them just until they are cooked through, about 10-12 minutes.
- Use a good quality ground beef. The quality of the ground beef will make a big difference in the flavor of the meatballs. Look for ground beef that is at least 80% lean.
- Season the meatballs well. Don't be afraid to add plenty of seasonings to the meatballs. This will help to give them a delicious flavor.
- Let the meatballs cool before serving. This will help them to hold their shape and prevent them from falling apart.
Conclusion:
Apricot meatballs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. They can be served as an appetizer, main course, or side dish. Apricot meatballs can also be made ahead of time and frozen, making them a great option for busy weeknights.
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