Sciusceddu alla Siciliana

Ingredients

• Meatballs: Meatballs:
• 250g (8.8 oz) ground beef 250g (8.8 oz) ground beef
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Soup: Soup:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (400g/14 oz) diced tomatoes 1 can (400g/14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups (950ml) beef or vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) beef or vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Garnish: Garnish:
• Grated Parmesan cheese Grated Parmesan cheese
• Extra virgin olive oil Extra virgin olive oil

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 18g (Saturated Fat: 6g)
• Carbohydrates: 15g (Sugars: 5g)
• Protein: 24g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. 2.
   Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
3. 3.
   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
4. 4.
   Add the diced tomatoes, beef or vegetable broth, bay leaf, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.
5. 5.
   Gently drop the meatballs into the simmering broth. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.
6. 6.
   Remove the bay leaf from the pot. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
7. 7.
   Ladle the Sciusceddu into bowls. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.
8. 8.
   Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef — Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. If desired, you can also use a combination of ground beef and ground pork for added flavor.
• Parmesan cheese — For a vegetarian version, use a vegetarian-friendly Parmesan cheese substitute.

Tips & Tricks

• To enhance the flavor of the meatballs, you can add a pinch of dried chili flakes or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture.
• For a heartier soup, you can add cooked pasta or rice to the broth before adding the meatballs.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender before adding the meatballs.

Serving advice

Serve the Sciusceddu hot in individual bowls. Accompany it with crusty bread or garlic bread for a satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Garnish each bowl of Sciusceddu with a sprig of fresh parsley or basil leaves for a pop of color. Serve it in rustic ceramic bowls to enhance the traditional Italian feel.