Meatballs can have distinct flavors depending on the spices used.
Whether they are served on top of spaghetti or on a serving platter with dipping sauce and toothpicks, meatballs are an easy and delicious addition to a meal or party. Meatballs are found in dishes all around the world, each with their own distinct taste. While meatballs mostly consist of balled-up ground beef, turkey, chicken, pork, or meat substitute, their flavor comes from the spices mixed within the meatball.
Salt and Pepper
Salt and pepper may seem like obvious choices for meatball spices, but they are nonetheless integral to creating a flavorful meatball. For the salt, regular table salt can be used, but alternatively seasoned salt can be added to achieve a zestier taste. For the pepper, ground black pepper should be used to balance out the saltiness and to add a slight kick to the meatballs. For a spicier meatball, use cayenne pepper.
Sweet Spices
Meatballs don't always have to be savory; in many dishes they are actually sweeter, especially when made with ground lamb. To create a robust sweet flavor, spices such as all-spice, cloves, nutmeg and brown sugar can be used. These can also be combined with the savory spices for a bolder and more vibrant tasting meatball.
Green Spices
Many meatballs, especially in Italian dishes, have green spices mixed in with them. These can include basil or oregano for Italian or Mediterranean meatballs, and cilantro or parsley for Asian-style meatballs. Green spices help to create a fresher taste to the meatballs and add to the complexity of flavor.
Other Ingredients
In addition to salt, pepper, sweet spices and green spices, meatballs can be flavored with a number of other ingredients. This includes chopped onions -- white, yellow, Vidalia or green onions -- and garlic for extra flavoring. Breadcrumbs, egg and sometimes even cream are used to help hold the meatball together and provide density. After combining the ingredients to taste, the meatballs can then be placed in a slow cooker or deep pot to slowly cook in a broth or sauce of your choosing.
Tags: green spices, Spices Meatballs, spices mixed, taste meatballs