Have you ever tried cheese and egg balls? They are delicious meatballs without meat, typical of Abruzzese cuisine! Soft, tasty, and rich in cheese! The cheese usually used is Rigatino, but if you can’t find it, you can easily use Pecorino, and if you fear the taste is too strong, you can mix it with Parmesan or Grana. A traditional country recipe, still much appreciated and served in all the typical trattorias in the area today. Making them is really simple, once the dough is prepared, you just need to roll them into balls, fry them, and then simmer them in sauce. You can enjoy the cheese and egg balls as an appetizer or as a second course, or alternatively, you can make them in a mini version to prepare a vegetarian version of the Spaghetti alla chitarra with meatballs. Pallotte Cacio e Ova (Cheese and Egg Balls) are truly indulgent, made with just a few simple ingredients!
If you’re looking for more meatless meatballs, also try the ricotta balls and the Bread patties in a pan. Alternatively, also try the Meatballs with Pepper Sauce, genuine and tasty!
INGREDIENTS
Calories per serving
- EnergyKcal484
- Carbohydratesg13.3
- of which sugarsg2.5
- Proteing18.4
- Fatsg39.6
- of which saturated fatg11.21
- Fiberg1.7
- Cholesterolmg148
- Sodiummg1381
Ingredients for 15 ballsStale bread 2.6 oz (75 g) – (only crumbs)Pecorino cheese 7 oz (200 g) – (medium-aged)Eggs 4.6 oz (130 g) – (2 large)Parsley 2 tsp (10 g)Black pepper to tasteFine salt to tastefor fryingSunflower seed oil to tastefor the sauceTomato purée 1.3 cups (300 g)Extra virgin olive oil to tasteFine salt to tasteGarlic 1 cloveBasil to taste
How to prepare Pallotte Cacio e Ova (Cheese and Egg Balls)
To prepare the Pallotte Cacio e Ova (Cheese and Egg Balls), first make the tomato sauce. In a pot, pour a drizzle of oil, add a clove of garlic 1 and let it brown for a couple of minutes over low heat. Then add the tomato purée 2, stir 3, and let it cook for about 20 minutes, always over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Meanwhile, prepare the dough for the cheese and egg balls. First, chop the parsley 5, then cut the stale bread crumbs 4. Transfer them to a mixer 6 and blend until you get crumbs.
Transfer the bread crumbs into a bowl 7, add the grated Pecorino cheese 8 and the eggs 9.
Also add the parsley 10, the pepper 11, and the salt 12.
Work the mixture vigorously with your hands for a few minutes until you get a homogeneous mixture 13. Form the balls by taking a portion of the dough and rolling it between your hands 14. You will get a total of 15 15.
Heat plenty of vegetable oil until it reaches a temperature of 320°F-340°F. Immerse a few pieces at a time 16 and cook for a couple of minutes, until they are golden brown. Drain them 17 and transfer them to a tray with paper towels 18.
At this point, the sauce will also be cooked; add the balls to the sauce 19, let them cook for another ten minutes, and turn off the heat. Add some basil leaves, remove the garlic 20, and serve your Pallotte Cacio e Ova 21!
How to store
You can store the Pallotte Cacio e Ova (Cheese and Egg Balls) in the refrigerator for 2 days.
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