Embark on a culinary adventure to the vibrant streets of Louisiana with our exploration of the tantalizing realm of Cajun meatballs. Dive into the rich history and soulful flavors that define this iconic stew. From its spicy origins to its comforting presence at family gatherings, discover the secrets behind this beloved dish. Learn about the diverse ingredients that come together to create a symphony of taste, and unlock the secrets to preparing the perfect Cajun meatball stew that will leave your taste buds craving more.
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CAJUN MEATBALL STEW
This is a very popular recipe in the Cajun part of South Louisiana, which is frequently referred to as "Acadiana." If there's one thing we folks in Acadiana love, it's our rice and gravy! I have often said that when I die, if wherever I end up doesn't have rice and gravy, I'll know I didn't make it to Heaven. Cajun Meatball Stew starts off with your typical dark brown roux. Some people prefer to buy it in stores, ready made. I've never understood why, because it's not that difficult to make from scratch. The main thing you must do is stir, constantly, over a medium high heat, never leaving the stove until it's almost the color of chocolate syrup. If you burn it, throw it out and start over, because it will give your gravy a very bitter taste. When I have the time, I prefer to make this the day ahead, separate the meatballs from the gravy, and refrigerate. Not only does this cause the fat from the meat to rise to the top and harden for easy removal, but, enhances the flavor.
Provided by Irishcolleen
Categories Meat
Time 1h45m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- In heavy dutch oven (preferably cast iron or cast aluminum), heat oil over medium high heat. Add flour. Stir, constantly, until flour is dark brown, being very careful not to burn. Flour should be almost the color of chocolate syrup. This is your roux, which is the base of your gravy.
- To the flour mixture, add 2 cups of the chopped onion, 1 cup of the bell pepper and 1/2 cup of the celery. Reduce heat to medium, cooking until onions are transparent. Add enough water or beef broth to fill pot 2/3 of the way. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- While this is cooking, make meatballs by combining ground chuck, remaining onions, bell pepper, and celery, 2 cloves of the minced garlic, eggs, milk, worcestershire sauce, 1/4 cup of the parsley, bread crumbs, and salt and cayenne pepper. Mix well.
- Form into whatever size meatballs you prefer. I like to make mine about 1 1/2 - 2" round. One trick to making tender meatballs is not to pack the meat too firmly. Just form them enough for them to hold together. Also, do not pre-cook the meatballs after rolling.
- Add meatballs to the gravy. DO NOT STIR FOR AT LEAST 20 MINUTES! Stirring them will break them apart. Cook over medium low heat until gravy is desired consistency. Adjust seasoning with salt and cayenne pepper. Skim as much of the fat as you can off of the top.
- Stir in remaining garlic, parsley, and chopped green onions. Cook for 5 minutes longer.
- Serve over hot cooked rice. I usually serve this with a side of early green peas or corn, and a fruit salad of some kind, such as pineapple, topped with grated cheddar cheese.
- As for the prep and cooking times, I just took a wild guess. Hehe!
MEATBALL STEW
Many years ago, the Farm Journal published a recipe that became the "jumping-off point" for my version. It's as colorful as it is delicious. I often serve it over wide egg noodles or atop steamed rice-but it's also good just as it is.-Savilla Zook, Seabrook, Maryland.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 1h
Yield 8-10 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine the egg, bread crumbs, chopped onion, salt, marjoram and thyme. Crumble beef over the top and mix well. Shape into 24 meatballs. Heat oil in a Dutch oven. Brown meatballs in batches; drain. , Add the soup, broth, potatoes, carrots and whole onions. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes or until meat is no longer pink. Garnish with parsley.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 248 calories, Fat 9g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 55mg cholesterol, Sodium 895mg sodium, Carbohydrate 24g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 17g protein.
FRENCH CANADIAN MEATBALL STEW
This is a traditional meal in the homes of the French Canadians that will leave your home smelling of warm spices and your belly full.
Provided by Nancy Carreiro
Categories Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes Stews Pork
Time 1h30m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Spread flour out in a thin, even layer on a baking sheet.
- Roast the flour in the preheated oven until medium brown in color, 10 to 15 minutes; stir often and watch carefully to avoid burning. Remove the flour from the baking sheet immediately once the desired color has been reached; set aside in a shallow bowl to cool.
- Melt butter in a large, heavy pot over medium heat, and cook and stir the onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Transfer the onion to a large mixing bowl. In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves; stir the spice mix into the onion. Place ground pork, parsley, egg, and bread crumbs into the bowl, and mix to combine thoroughly. Form the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs; roll each meatball in the roasted flour. Reserve unused flour.
- Pour the chicken broth into the pot, bring to a boil over medium heat, and carefully drop in the meatballs, a few at a time, stirring to keep them from sticking on the bottom. Drop in the bay leaf. Simmer the meatballs for 20 minutes; mix in the potatoes, and simmer until potatoes are tender and the broth has reduced, an additional 20 minutes. Transfer the meatballs into a bowl with a slotted spoon.
- Remove and discard bay leaf. Mix remaining roasted flour with cold water in a cup, and gradually whisk the flour mixture into the simmering broth to thicken. Bring the gravy to a full boil, and cook, stirring constantly, until the gravy thickens, about 5 minutes. Return the meatballs to the stew, and serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 445.3 calories, Carbohydrate 35.6 g, Cholesterol 107.5 mg, Fat 20.9 g, Fiber 3.7 g, Protein 27.9 g, SaturatedFat 8.6 g, Sodium 230.2 mg, Sugar 2.9 g
CAJUN APPETIZER MEATBALLS
This is a great appetizer meatball recipe with a little kick to it. It can be made ahead and frozen in resealable plastic bags, then added to sauce and heated.
Provided by DOREENB
Categories Appetizers and Snacks Spicy
Time 1h
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a medium baking sheet.
- In a large bowl, mix thoroughly the ground beef, hot pepper sauce, Cajun seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, onion, bread crumbs, milk, and egg.
- Form the mixture into golf ball sized meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until there is no pink left in the middle.
- In a small bowl, combine the barbeque sauce and peach preserves.
- When meatballs are done, place in a serving dish and cover with the barbeque sauce mixture. Toss to coat.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 504.4 calories, Carbohydrate 45 g, Cholesterol 132.8 mg, Fat 25.4 g, Fiber 0.9 g, Protein 22.9 g, SaturatedFat 10 g, Sodium 1271.6 mg, Sugar 35.5 g
CAJUN MEATBALLS
Love meatballs? Try this low-calorie recipe that uses turkey mince, served in a hot pepper sauce
Provided by Sara Buenfeld
Categories Dinner, Main course
Time 50m
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Put the butter in a pan over a low heat. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring all the time to make a roux. Cook until the roux is hazelnut brown in colour - make sure that it doesn't burn. Tip in the vegetables, garlic and bay leaf, stir briefly, then pour in the tomatoes and 1½ cans of water. Crumble in the stock cube, add the hot sauce, then cover and cook for 15 mins, stirring occasionally, while you make the meatballs.
- Work the spice and some seasoning into the turkey mince. Try not to over-handle or it will toughen. Shape into 20 meatballs.
- Heat the oil in a large non-stick pan and quickly brown the meatballs in batches until they are nicely coloured on all sides.
- Stir the sauce, then drop in the meatballs and cook on a low heat for 10 mins until the turkey is cooked through. Scatter over the spring onions and coriander, and serve with some rice or mash.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 306 calories, Fat 11 grams fat, SaturatedFat 5 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 17 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 8 grams sugar, Fiber 3 grams fiber, Protein 33 grams protein, Sodium 1.09 milligram of sodium
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of ground beef and ground pork to make the meatballs.
- Add some chopped vegetables, such as onions, carrots, and celery, to the stew for extra flavor and nutrition.
- If you don't have time to make your own meatballs, you can use frozen or pre-cooked meatballs from the store.
- Serve the stew with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Garnish the stew with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving for a pop of color and flavor.
Conclusion:
Cajun meatball stew is a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual gathering. With its combination of tender meatballs, savory sauce, and aromatic spices, this stew is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. So next time you're looking for a delicious and satisfying meal, give this Cajun meatball stew a try.
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