Ingredients and Weight:
- 8 oz fresh cherries, pitted
- 1 lb ground chicken or turkey breast
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1 tablespoon chili flakes or fresh chili pepper, chopped
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Breadcrumbs for coating (approx. 1/2 cup)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying (canola or vegetable oil)
Preparation Time:
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Difficulty Level:
Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Mix the ground chicken or turkey with chopped basil, diced red onion, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Form small meatballs and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Dip the meatballs into the beaten eggs, then roll in flour and breadcrumbs to coat.
- Heat oil in a frying pan and fry the coated meatballs until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare a cherry sauce by boiling cherries with a little water and sugar, then blending until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Arrange the fried meatballs in an oven-safe dish and pour the cherry sauce over them.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is bubbling.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot.
Nutritional Information: (Per serving)
- Calories: Approx. 400 calories per person (depending on meat type and portion size)
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 25g
Dish Characteristics:
- Creative fusion of American and Asian flavors, sweet and spicy with a rich cherry sauce paired with savory meatballs.
- A visual treat with the red cherries and green basil providing a vibrant color contrast.
User Comments:
- "The flavor combination was unique and really refreshing. The cherry sauce was a great pairing with the meatballs."
- "I loved the texture of the meatballs – they were tender and juicy."
- "This dish was a hit with my family – we all enjoyed the sweet and spicy flavors."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Use fresh ingredients for best results. If buying frozen cherries, make sure they are fully defrosted before pitting.
- Adjust chili flakes or fresh chili peppers according to your desired spice level.
- Breadcrumbs help the meatballs hold their shape and texture; make sure they are not too crumbly or too dense.
