Mushroom Chifteluțe (Meatballs) with a Twist

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) mushrooms, finely chopped 500g (1.1 lb) mushrooms, finely chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs 1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 eggs, beaten 2 eggs, beaten
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 4g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped mushrooms, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, parsley, dill, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. 2.
   Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. 3.
   Add the beaten eggs to the mixture and stir until everything is well combined.
4. 4.
   Shape the mixture into small meatball-sized balls and place them on a baking sheet.
5. 5.
   Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
6. 6.
   Fry the mushroom Chifteluțe in batches until they are golden brown on all sides, turning them gently to ensure even cooking.
7. 7.
   Once cooked, transfer the Chifteluțe to a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil.
8. 8.
   Serve hot as an appetizer or main course.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Mushrooms — Make sure to finely chop the mushrooms to achieve a meatball-like texture.
• Breadcrumbs — If you prefer a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or substitute with almond flour.
• Paprika — Adjust the amount of paprika according to your spice preference.
• Eggs — For a vegan version, omit the eggs and use a flaxseed or chia seed egg substitute.
• Vegetable oil — Use a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or sunflower oil, for frying.

Tips & Tricks

• To enhance the umami flavor, sauté the mushrooms before adding them to the mixture.
• For a crispy exterior, refrigerate the shaped Chifteluțe for 30 minutes before frying.
• Serve with a side of sour cream or a tangy tomato sauce for dipping.
• Experiment with different mushroom varieties for unique flavors.
• Leftover Chifteluțe can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet or oven.

Serving advice

Serve the mushroom Chifteluțe as an appetizer with a side of sour cream or as a main course accompanied by mashed potatoes and a fresh salad.

Presentation advice

Arrange the golden-brown mushroom Chifteluțe on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or dill. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika for an appetizing presentation.