Elenia with a Twist

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) ground meat (beef, pork, or a combination) 500g (1.1 lb) ground meat (beef, pork, or a combination)
• 1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs 1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs
• 1 cup (100g) grated cheese (Pecorino Romano or Parmesan) 1 cup (100g) grated cheese (Pecorino Romano or Parmesan)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
• Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 orange Zest of 1 orange
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for frying Olive oil for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, grated cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped basil, lemon zest, orange zest, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. 2.
   Shape the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball.
3. 3.
   Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
4. 4.
   Fry the Elenia balls in batches until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per batch.
5. 5.
   Remove the Elenia from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. 6.
   Serve hot as an appetizer or main course.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground meat — Use a combination of beef and pork for a flavorful and juicy Elenia.
• Breadcrumbs — If you prefer a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or substitute with almond flour.
• Cheese — Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese work best for their distinct flavors. Grate the cheese fresh for the best results.
• Citrus zest — Use a microplane grater to zest the lemon and orange, ensuring you only get the outer colored part and not the bitter white pith.
• Olive oil — Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for frying to enhance the flavors.

Tips & Tricks

• For a burst of freshness, squeeze some lemon juice over the cooked Elenia before serving.
• Experiment with different herbs such as oregano or thyme to add your own twist to the recipe.
• Serve the Elenia with a side of marinara sauce or tzatziki for dipping.
• If you prefer a healthier option, bake the Elenia in the oven instead of frying them.
• Make a double batch and freeze the uncooked Elenia for future use.

Serving advice

Serve the Elenia as an appetizer with toothpicks for easy grabbing, or as a main course accompanied by a fresh salad and crusty bread.

Presentation advice

Arrange the golden brown Elenia on a platter, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve with a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant presentation.