Golden, aromatic, and tasty, the zucchini and smoked cheese meatballs are a small culinary gem.
The undisputed star of this recipe is the zucchini, the green wonder that nature generously offers us during the warmer months. The zucchinis are finely grated and mixed with creamy smoked cheese, creating a combination of textures and flavors that blend harmoniously with each bite.
Not to forget the addition of aromatic herbs, which add a little extra touch to these delicious meatballs. A splash of mint and a handful of basil to add a fresh note. Everything is wrapped in a crispy breadcrumb coating, which gives a perfect texture.
And what about the magic that happens in the kitchen when the meatballs start to brown slowly in the pan? The inviting and seductive aroma that fills the air is a small preview of the goodness of these cheesy vegetable bites.
Serve them hot, perhaps accompanied by a fresh seasonal salad. They will be the absolute stars of your table, winning everyone over with their refined simplicity and enveloping taste.
Don’t miss these other tantalizing recipes. Because happiness is found in a plate of fragrant meatballs!
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Economical
- Rest time: 15 Minutes
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 12
- Cooking methods: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Energy 98.34 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 6.67 (g) of which sugars 0.45 (g)
- Proteins 5.67 (g)
- Fat 5.65 (g) of which saturated 1.16 (g)of which unsaturated 2.20 (g)
- Fibers 0.78 (g)
- Sodium 199.84 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 35 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients for Zucchini and Smoked Cheese Meatballs
For 12 meatballs
- 4 zucchini
- 3.5 oz smoked cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp dried mint
- 6 leaves basil
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 pinches salt
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup semolina
- as needed vegetable oil
Preparation of Zucchini and Smoked Cheese Meatballs
Cut the smoked cheese into cubes.
Wash and dry the zucchinis. Then, trim them only from one end, leaving the longer end to serve as a handle for easy grating.
Next, grate the zucchinis using a grater with large holes. Place them on a dish towel and, after tightly closing it, squeeze to remove excess moisture.
Transfer the zucchinis into a bowl and add the egg, parmesan cheese, salt, mint, basil, and breadcrumbs. Mix with a fork to combine the ingredients, obtaining a homogeneous and compact mixture.
Now form your meatballs. Take a little mixture with your hands, flatten it slightly, and place one or two cubes of smoked cheese in the center. Close and form balls, placing them on a plate as you go.
Coat the meatballs in the breadcrumb and semolina mix and let them rest in the fridge for 15-20 minutes, so they firm up.
In a pan, heat the vegetable oil and fry the meatballs, a few at a time, until well golden.
Drain the meatballs on a paper towel or absorbent paper, and serve hot.
Oven-Baked Zucchini and Smoked Cheese Meatballs
You can also opt to cook these delicious meatballs in the oven. Prepare them as per the recipe and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes or until well golden.
Storage
Zucchini and smoked cheese meatballs keep in the fridge, stored in an airtight container, for 2-3 days. When ready to serve, reheat them in the oven at 320°F for 15 minutes.
FAQ
Can I substitute smoked cheese with another cheese?
Yes, you can substitute smoked cheese with mozzarella or provolone. However, I recommend trying them with smoked cheese for its unique flavor and creaminess.
Can I freeze the raw meatballs?
Absolutely. You can freeze the raw meatballs on a tray and, once frozen, transfer them to a sealable food bag. They can be stored for about 2 months. Thaw them completely in the fridge before cooking.
Can I prepare the meatballs in advance and store them?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Just reheat them slightly in the oven (320°F for 15 minutes) before serving.
