Meatballs with Fennel and Ricotta

Seared fennel-scented pork meatballs baked in a rich chicken reduction, topped with homemade ricotta, toasted breadcrumbs, and pine nuts.

Estimated Nutrition

Per Serving Total
Calories 1210.1 kcals 4840.4 kcals
Carbohydrates 35.1 grams 140.5 grams
Fat 98.9 grams 395.6 grams
Protein 46.3 grams 185.2 grams
Cook Time
255 mins
Produces
4 people
Allergies
Vegetarian
Vegan
Dairy Free
Gluten Free

Ingredients

Dairy
2
l
Milk
Full-fat
100
g
Butter
Divided use
1
piece
Egg
Free-range
50
g
Fruits
2
piece
Lemon
Juice only
GrainsCereals
50
g
Meat
500
g
100
g
Finocchiona Salami
Salami with fennel, finely chopped
NutsSeeds
1
piece
Bay Leaf
For stock
1
sprig
Thyme
Fresh
1
piece
Bay Leaf
For onion jam
1
pinch
Sea Salt
For ricotta
1
pinch
1
sprig
Rosemary
Fresh, leaves only, finely chopped
1
sprig
Oregano
Fresh, leaves only, finely chopped
2
tbsp
Pine Nuts
Toasted
1
pinch
Salt
To taste
1
pinch
Black Pepper
To taste
OilsFats
50
ml
Olive Oil
For onion jam
15
ml
Olive Oil
Plus extra for drizzling
Vegetables
0.5
piece
0.5
stick
0.5
piece
2
piece
Onion
Large, thinly sliced
1
piece
Fennel Head
Very thinly sliced

Steps

  • Combine chicken stock ingredients in a large pan, cover with water, boil, then simmer for 3 hours.
  • Strain stock through a fine cloth, reduce volume by half in a clean pan, strain again, and chill.
  • Sauté onions and bay leaf in olive oil for one hour until caramelized, then cool and refrigerate.
  • Heat milk nearly to boiling, add salt and lemon juice, let curdle for 10 minutes, and strain.
  • Preheat the oven to 180°C.
  • Toast breadcrumbs in 50g of melted butter in a pan until golden-brown and set aside.
  • Mix mince, salami, egg, fennel seeds, and herbs, roll into balls, sear in oil, and place in a dish.
  • Sauté fennel for 10 minutes, add 2 tablespoons jam and stock, reduce by three-quarters, and emulsify with remaining butter.
  • Pour sauce over meatballs, bake for 10 minutes, add Parmesan and ricotta, then bake 5 minutes more until brown.
  • Top with reserved breadcrumbs and pine nuts before serving immediately.