Romanian Meatballs (Chiftele)

Romanian meatballs (Chiftele)

Prep time: 20 mins 
Cook time: 30 mins 
Total time: 50 mins 
Serves: 4


Ingredients
1 1/2 lb ground pork ( optional you can mix pork 3/4 and beef 1/4 qty)
2 onions finely chopped
2 cloves garlic finely minced
1 potato fine grated (optional)
2 eggs
1 cup bread crumbs
salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon parsley finely chopped
spices and condiments for meat balls (optional)
oil for sautee onions and frying the meatballs if you don't choose to bake them


Instructions
In a pan with a little bit of oil sautee the onions and garlic until tender and add the grated potato for a few minutes until it becomes tender. Let this cool.
Add the onion mixutre to the pork, add the egg and breadcrumbs, salt and pepper, and other spices you may wish, add the chopped parsley and mix well.
You can form these into balls, or traditionally they are formed into small patties.  You can either fry them or bake them, though they are juicier and tastier if fried.

Heat 1/4 inch  of oil in a frying pan and cook the meatballs on medium heat for 10-12 minutes, turning them one time to get them brown all around.


Serve as an appetizer or as main dish with mash potato and tomato sauce or with pasta.


bon apetite