Best 11 Polpette Recipes

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Polpette, also known as Italian meatballs, are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, main course, or side dish. They are typically made with a combination of ground meat, bread crumbs, eggs, and herbs, and can be cooked in a variety of ways, including frying, baking, or simmering in a sauce. Whether you are looking for a classic Italian recipe or something a little more modern, there is sure to be a polpette recipe that will tantalize your taste buds.

Here are our top 11 tried and tested recipes!

POLPETTE ALLA NAPOLETANA (NEAPOLITAN MEATBALLS)



Polpette Alla Napoletana (Neapolitan Meatballs) image

This is a recipe from Mario Batali, and is incorporated into 'Timpano Di Maccheroni' (the mythic pasta dome, recipe #85372). Fabulous meatballs. My husband has resigned his own recipe in lieu of this one.

Provided by skat5762

Categories     Meat

Time 1h20m

Yield 12-15 meatballs

Number Of Ingredients 11

3 cups day old bread, cut into 1 inch cubes
1 1/4 lbs ground beef
3 eggs, beaten
3 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 cup grated pecorino cheese
1/4 cup finely chopped Italian parsley
1/4 cup pine nuts, baked for 8 minutes in a 400 degree oven
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 1/2 cups basic tomato sauce (Basic Tomato Sauce)

Steps:

  • In a shallow bowl, soak the bread cubes in water to cover for a minute or two.
  • Drain the bread cubes and squeeze with your fingers to press out the excess moisture (make sure you do this well).
  • In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, beef, eggs, garlic, pecorino, parsley, toasted pine nuts, salt and pepper, and mix with your hands to incorporate.
  • With wet hands, form the mixture into 12-15 meatballs, each smaller than a tennis ball, but larer than a golf ball.
  • In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, heat the oil over medium heat until almost smoking.
  • Add the meatballs and, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan, cook until deep golden brown on all sides, about 10 minutes.
  • Add the tomato sauce and reduce the heat to a simmer.
  • Cook all the meatballs for 30 minutes.
  • Set aside and allow to cool; save the sauce for another use.

POLPETTE DI MAMMA



Polpette di Mamma image

When you think of Italian food, spaghetti with meatballs is probably one of the first dishes that comes to mind. Every Italian mother and grandmother has their signature polpette (meatball) recipe, and their children will always boast that their meatballs are the best. -Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h30m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 19

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
4 to 5 fresh basil leaves
2 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
8 cups crushed tomatoes
2 cups water
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/2 pound ground pork
1/2 pound ground veal or pork
1/2 pound ground beef (85% lean)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
1 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
1/2 cup 2% milk

Steps:

  • In a small saucepan, combine olive oil, basil leaves and garlic over very low heat until mixture is very fragrant and garlic turns golden brown, 10-15 minutes. Strain mixture, discarding basil and garlic; set oil aside., In a Dutch oven, combine crushed tomatoes, water, tomato paste, salt, chopped basil, pepper and reserved olive oil. Bring to a boil; remove ½ cup and set aside. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, while preparing polpette., Meanwhile, to make polpette, in a large bowl, combine all polpette ingredients and reserved 1/2 cup tomato mixture. Gently mix until combined (mixture will be loose). With wet hands, roll 1/4 cup mixture into balls. Place on a baking sheet or plate. Add raw meatballs to simmering sauce, gently shaking pan to allow for more space. Bring to a simmer; cook, covered, at least 45 minutes or up to 2 hours.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 453 calories, Fat 27g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 110mg cholesterol, Sodium 2352mg sodium, Carbohydrate 31g carbohydrate (13g sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 26g protein.

POLPETTE NAPOLETANE



Polpette Napoletane image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     appetizer

Time 1h30m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 slices stale white bread, crusts removed
1 cup milk
1 small bunch flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
9 ounces minced beef and pork, equal amounts
2 fresh eggs
2 ounces pecorino, grated
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 buffalo mozzarella, drained and chopped into little pieces
Unseasoned bread crumbs
Extra-virgin olive oil, for frying
Tomato sauce, recipe follows
Serving suggestion: steamed broccoli
Extra-virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic
3 (12-ounce) tins peeled cherry tomatoes

Steps:

  • Put the bread in a small mixing bowl, cover with milk, and leave to soak.
  • Chop the parsley and garlic together. Put meat into a large mixing bowl. Squeeze the milk out of the bread and add to meat. Add parsley and garlic. Use your hands to mix the ingredients. Break eggs into the mixture to bind it. Keep mixing. Add the pecorino. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Shape meatballs by hand, make a hole in the top and insert a small piece of mozzarella. Cover it up and pat meatball into shape. Roll them in bread crumbs. Pour olive oil into a frying pan and when it's really hot, fry the meatballs for 5 minutes, or until they have formed a crust. Then turn over. When golden brown and crusty on both sides remove the meatballs from the pan and drain on paper towels.
  • Add the meatballs to the tomato sauce, cover and cook very slowly on low heat for 45 minutes, until the sauce is reduced by half.
  • Pour enough oil into a saucepan to cover the surface. Add garlic and 3 tins of tomatoes, mashing them slightly. Boil the sauce for 5 minutes and simmer for another 3 minutes.
  • Cooking Time: 8 minutes

POLPETTE DI PATATE FRITTE (POTATO AND PROSCIUTTO FRITTERS)



Polpette di Patate Fritte (Potato and Prosciutto Fritters) image

A simple and tasty dish that kids love and a good alternative to fries. You only need a few ingredients and dinner can be ready in no time at all.

Provided by Monica Lenoci

Categories     Appetizers and Snacks     Tapas

Time 25m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 large potatoes, peeled and coarsely shredded
¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 egg
2 slices prosciutto, chopped
salt and ground black pepper to taste
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, or as needed

Steps:

  • Place shredded potatoes in a bowl; add flour, egg, and ham and mix well. Season mixture with salt and pepper. Form mixture into fritters.
  • Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat; fry fritters until golden, about 5 minutes per side.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 340.9 calories, Carbohydrate 38.3 g, Cholesterol 52.8 mg, Fat 17.8 g, Fiber 4.3 g, Protein 7.5 g, SaturatedFat 3.3 g, Sodium 206.6 mg, Sugar 1.6 g

PUTTANESCA WITH TUNA POLPETTE AND PENNE



Puttanesca with Tuna Polpette and Penne image

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 20m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 pound penne (recommended: Barilla or de Cecco fine)
Salt
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for tuna
5 to 6 anchovies, in jars with red pepper, if plain anchovies add 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
4 large cloves garlic, grated or finely chopped
1 (28-ounce) can tomatoes (recommended: San Marzano)
1 cup chicken or seafood stock
Freshly ground black pepper
A few tablespoons capers, drained
A handful pitted black olives, oil cured or kalamata, chopped
1 pound tuna steak
1 large egg
1/2 cup bread crumbs
A handful flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
1/2 cup basil leaves, shredded

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add pasta and cook to al dente. Drain and keep warm.
  • Heat extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add anchovies and stir into oil until melted. Add the garlic, turn heat to low and saute for a couple of minutes. Stir in the tomatoes crushing them up, then stir in stock. Season with a little black pepper, add capers and olives and simmer a few minutes.
  • While sauce simmers, cut tuna into chunks and grind in food processor into coarse mixture. Pulse in the egg, bread crumbs and parsley and season with a little salt and black pepper. Remove tuna mixture from the processor to a bowl and add a drizzle of olive oil. Stir to combine. (Adding the oil will prevent mixture from sticking to your hands as you roll the balls.) Roll the tuna into small balls and drop into the sauce. Cover the pot and simmer the tuna balls in the sauce, about 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Place the pasta into a serving bowl. Add the tuna and sauce, toss to coat and garnish with shredded basil.

POLPETTE



Polpette image

Mortadella (finely ground pork sausage with pieces of pistachio and spices) and a couple tablespoons of wine add tremendous depth of flavor to this traditional comfort food. Serve it with several vegetable side dishes, sparkling water, and a bottle of wine.From the book "Lucinda's Rustic Italian Kitchen," by Lucinda Scala Quinn (Wiley).

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Beef Recipes     Ground Beef Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 14

1/3 cup milk
1 slice bread, crust removed (1 1/2-inch)
1 pound ground pork
1 pound ground veal or beef
1/3 pound mortadella, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup pistachio nuts, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons white or red wine
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
  • Heat the milk in a small pan until warm but not scalded. Turn off the heat. Place the bread in the milk and let sit to absorb the milk, turning once, about 1 minute per side. Remove the bread to a board, finely chop it, and place the bread in a large bowl.
  • Add the pork, veal, mortadella, onion, parsley, cheese, nuts, garlic, eggs, wine, salt, and pepper to the bread. Using your hand, mix to combine completely. Form into an oval-shaped loaf and place in a large baking dish. Cook for 55 minutes. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

MARIO BATALI'S BIG TURKEY MEATBALLS - POLPETTE DI TACCHINO



MARIO BATALI'S BIG TURKEY MEATBALLS - POLPETTE DI TACCHINO image

Categories     Beef     Dinner

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 Cup panko bread crumbs
2 Pound ground turkey
4 Ounces prosciutto di parma (cut into 1/8-inch dice)
8 Ounces sweet Italian sausage (casings removed)
3 large eggs (lightly beaten)
1/2 Cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano
1/4 Cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
3/4 Cup finely chopped Italian parsley
Several gratings of nutmeg
1/2 Cup extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 Cups tomato sauce
1 1/2 - 2 Cup milk

Steps:

  • Step 1: ingredients: 2 Cup panko bread crumbs Soak the bread crumbs in water to cover for 5 minutes. Squeeze out the excess water. Step 2: ingredients: 2 Pound ground turkey 4 Ounces prosciutto di parma (cut into 1/8-inch dice) 8 Ounces sweet Italian sausage (casings removed) 3 large eggs (lightly beaten) 1 1/2 - 2 Cup milk 1/2 Cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano 1/4 Cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano 3/4 Cup finely chopped Italian parsley Several gratings of nutmeg 1/2 Cup extra-virgin olive oil Salt and freshly ground black pepper In a large bowl, combine the turkey, prosciutto, sausage, bread crumbs, eggs, milk, ¼ cup of the pecorino, the Parmigiano, ½ cup of the parsley, the nutmeg, and ¼ cup of the olive oil and mix very gently with your hands. Season with salt and pepper. Form the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place the balls on a baking sheet, cover, and refrigerate for 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend. Step 3: ingredients: 2 Cups tomato sauce Add the tomato to pan and bring to a boil. Place the meatballs in the sauce and return to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Step 4: instructions: Transfer to a platter and serve with the remaining ¼ cup each pecorino and parsley sprinkled over the top. http://beta.abc.go.com/shows/the-chew/recipes/Thanksgiving-Mario-Batali-Big-Turkey-Meatballs-Polpette-Di-Tacchino

POLPETTE (TORPEDO SHAPED MEATBALLS)



Polpette (Torpedo Shaped Meatballs) image

Provided by Gina Marie Miraglia Eriquez

Categories     Milk/Cream     Beef     Cheese     Pork     Appetizer     Kid-Friendly     Quick & Easy     Dinner     Veal     Pan-Fry     Gourmet     Sugar Conscious     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     Small Plates

Yield Serves 12 (antipasto) with remaining meat mixture for sunday ragù

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 cups coarse fresh bread crumbs (from an Italian or a French loaf)
1/3 cup whole milk
3/4 pound ground beef chuck
3/4 pound ground veal
3/4 pound ground pork (not lean)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 3/4 cups grated Pecorino Romano (3 1/2 ounces)
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil

Steps:

  • Stir together bread crumbs and milk in a large bowl and let stand 10 minutes.
  • Add meats, garlic, cheese, eggs, parsley, 1 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper to bread crumb mixture and blend with your hands until combined (do not overmix). Form 1 1/2 cups meat mixture into small torpedo-shaped meatballs (1 level tablespoon each). Reserve remaining 4 cups meat mixture for ragù .
  • Heat oil in a 10-inch heavy skillet over medium heat until it shimmers, then fry meatballs in 2 batches (do not crowd), turning occasionally, until browned well and cooked through, about 2 minutes per batch. Transfer to paper towels using a slotted spoon and reserve oil for frying meatballs for ragù.

CELERY POLPETTE



Celery Polpette image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     side-dish

Time 1h20m

Yield 16 polpette

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
3 teaspoons minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
Freshly ground pepper
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
3/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup finely grated parmesan cheese (about 2 ounces)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
Pinch of red pepper flakes
Kosher salt
1 large bunch celery

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cut the celery stalks into 2-inch pieces (reserve the leaves). Boil the celery until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water, then spin in a salad spinner and pat dry. Pulse the celery in a food processor until chopped. Squeeze handfuls of the puree in a kitchen towel to remove excess water.
  • Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the celery puree, 1/3 cup parsley, 2 teaspoons minced garlic and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, until soft, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and let cool. Reserve the skillet.
  • Mix the eggs, breadcrumbs and parmesan into the celery mixture. Roll into about 16 small balls; refrigerate until firm, 20 to 30 minutes.
  • Heat the remaining 1/4 cup olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the celery balls and cook, turning, until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Pour off half of the oil from the skillet. Add the tomato paste, the remaining 1 teaspoon minced garlic and the red pepper flakes; cook over medium heat until the garlic starts to brown, about 1 minute. Add 2/3 cup water and whisk until emulsified, about 30 seconds. Return the celery balls to the sauce and heat through. Add the reserved celery leaves and the remaining 2 tablespoons parsley.

POLPETTE ALLA CASALINGA



Polpette Alla Casalinga image

This recipe for meatballs is the best that I have discovered. It came from the cookbook, "The Cooking of Italy". It actually is a Time-Life book, that has amazing information on the history of Italian cooking along with the regional applications. My ex mother in-law, who was born and raised in Italy says it's pretty accurate. She was and still is an amazing cook and baker at the age of 88. I still call her for help on recipes. Whoever tries this recipe, I hope you enjoy these meatballs as much as my family does.

Provided by Nana Chickens

Categories     Pork

Time 1h

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 slices French bread or 2 slices Italian bread, torn into small pieces
1/2 cup milk
1 lb beef chuck, ground twice
1/4 lb sweet Italian sausage, removed from casing
6 tablespoons parmesan cheese, freshly grated
2 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons garlic, finely chopped
1 teaspoon lemon peel, grated
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon salt
fresh ground black pepper
1 egg, lightly beaten
olive oil or vegetable oil

Steps:

  • Soak the pieces of bread in 1/2 cup milk for 5 minutes, then squeeze them dry and discard the milk.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients and mix vigorously with both hands or beat with a wooden spoon until all of the ingredients are well blended and the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
  • Shape the mixture into small balls about
  • 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
  • Lay the meatballs out in one layer on a flat tray or baking sheet, cover them with plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
  • Heat 1/4 cup of olive or vegetable oil in a heavy 10 to 12 inch skillet until a light haze forms over it.
  • Fry meatballs 5-6 at a time over moderately high heat, shaking the pan constantly to roll the balls and help keep them round.
  • In 8-10 minutes the meatballs would be brown outside a d show no trace of pink inside.
  • Add more olive or vegetable oil as needed.
  • Serve the meatballs hot in your favorite tomato sauce.

EGGPLANT MEATBALLS (POLPETTE DI MELANZANE)



EGGPLANT MEATBALLS (POLPETTE DI MELANZANE) image

Categories     Vegetable

Yield 6-8

Number Of Ingredients 10

3 large eggplants, approximately 3½ to 4 pounds
2 tablespoons plus ½ teaspoon salt
2 slices Italian bread (½- inch- thick slices of a rustic, artisan- baked loaf or similar bread), crusts removed
1 cup freshly grated Parmigiano- Reggiano or Grana Padano cheese
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
¼ cup chopped fresh Italian flat- leaf parsley
2 large eggs, slightly beaten
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup plain dried bread crumbs, plus a little more if needed
Sunflower oil to fry in (your favorite frying oil may be substituted)

Steps:

  • 1. Peel the eggplant, slice into ½- inch rounds and then cut into ½- inch cubes. Place the cubed eggplant in a large 6- quart pot. Add the 2 tablespoons of salt and stir to coat all the eggplant. Pour in enough water to cover the eggplant by 2 inches. Let the eggplant soak in the salted water for an hour, stirring every 15 minutes. 2. After the eggplant has soaked, place the pot over medium- high heat and bring to a boil. Boil the eggplant until thoroughly cooked, 10 minutes. Drain into a colander and remove the excess liquid by placing a plate on top of the eggplant and adding a weight to the plate. Let the eggplant drain until cool. 3. Meanwhile, place the bread slices in a bowl and cover with water. Place a teacup saucer on the bread slices to help keep the bread under water. Set aside to soak for 5 to 10 minutes. 4. Place the drained and cooled eggplant in a large bowl. Remove the soaking bread from the water and, using your hands, squeeze out the excess water. Tear the bread into small pieces and add to the eggplant, along with the Parmigiano- Reggiano, garlic, parsley, eggs, salt, and pepper. If the mixture is too soft, add a tablespoon of dry bread crumbs. Form the eggplant mixture between the palms of your hands into 1- inch- diameter balls, and roll each "meatball" ( polpetta ) in the bread crumbs to coat. 5. Heat half an inch of oil in a heavy medium- size frying pan over medium heat and, in batches, brown the polpette on all sides, about 4 to 6 minutes. Place on paper towels to drain. While still warm, sprinkle with salt to taste. 6. May be served alone as an antipasto or covered with a simple sauce ( I love using a tomato cream sauce) and served as a second course.

Tips:

  • Use a variety of meats: Polpette can be made with a variety of meats, including beef, pork, veal, lamb, and turkey. Using a combination of meats will give the polpette a more complex flavor and texture.
  • Grind the meat yourself: If you can, grind the meat yourself using a meat grinder. This will give you more control over the texture of the polpette and ensure that they are not too finely or coarsely ground.
  • Add bread crumbs and eggs: Bread crumbs and eggs help to bind the polpette together and give them a light and fluffy texture. Be sure to use fresh bread crumbs and eggs for the best results.
  • Season the polpette well: Polpette should be well-seasoned with salt, pepper, and other herbs and spices. Some common seasonings for polpette include garlic, onion, parsley, oregano, and basil.
  • Fry the polpette in hot oil: Polpette should be fried in hot oil until they are golden brown and cooked through. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, or the polpette will not cook evenly.
  • Serve the polpette with your favorite sauce: Polpette can be served with a variety of sauces, including tomato sauce, marinara sauce, or Alfredo sauce. They can also be served on their own with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Conclusion:

Polpette are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are easy to make and can be customized to your own liking. Whether you like them fried, baked, or grilled, there is a polpette recipe out there for everyone. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal, give polpette a try. You won't be disappointed!

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