Spicy Beef Meatballs with Chicory

The spicy beef meatballs with chicory are a flavorful and slightly spicy dish that combines robust and distinctive flavors. Here’s how to prepare them:

Ingredients

• 500g ground beef
• 200g chicory
• 1 egg
• 50g breadcrumbs
• 1 garlic clove
• Chili powder or fresh chili to taste
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil
• 50g grated Parmesan

Preparation

1. Start by thoroughly cleaning the chicory, removing any damaged outer leaves and the tougher stem. Then wash it and boil it in lightly salted water until it becomes tender. Drain and finely chop the cooked chicory.
2. In a large bowl, mix the ground beef with the beaten egg, breadcrumbs, finely chopped garlic, Parmesan, chili (adjusting to your spice tolerance), salt, and pepper. Add the chopped chicory and stir to combine all ingredients.
3. Shape the mixture into meatballs, flattening them slightly.
4. Heat a drizzle of oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat and, when hot, add the meatballs, browning them on all sides until golden and cooked through.
5. The meatballs can be served hot, perhaps accompanied by a tomato sauce or a side of grilled vegetables.

Trivia

Chicory is a vegetable highly appreciated in Italian cuisine, especially in Southern Italy. It is known not only for its slightly bitter flavor that pairs well with strong-tasting ingredients like beef and chili, but also for its beneficial properties, including its purifying effect and the presence of vitamins and minerals.

For an even more Italian and local touch, you might try using a specific type of chicory, such as Catalogna chicory or puntarelle, typical of Lazio, if available in your area.