Sweet and Sour Meatballs with Jelly

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This Sweet and Sour Meatballs with Jelly recipe holds a tender spot in my life, whisking me back to when family gatherings were marked by the comforting and familiar aromas wafting from my grandmother’s kitchen. It was a dish that could coax a smile from anyone, turning a simple meal into an occasion. Over the years, this beloved dish has not only been a staple at our dinner table but has also evolved with my own culinary twists, becoming a bridge between generations.

How to make Sweet and Sour Meatballs with Jelly

Sweet and Sour Meatballs with Jelly is a classic dish that combines savory meatballs with a tangy-sweet sauce, often made with grape or cranberry jelly. The meatballs are typically made from ground meat (beef or pork) mixed with breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings.

Ingredients

Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken for a lighter option)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free breadcrumbs or rolled oats for GF option)
• 1 egg (or flaxseed meal and water for a vegan option)
• 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Sweet and Sour Sauce:

• 3/4 cup jelly (grape or cranberry is common, but any fruit preserve works)
• 1/2 cup chili sauce (or ketchup with a pinch of chili powder for a milder option)
• 1 tablespoon vinegar (white, apple cider, or white wine)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or honey/maple syrup)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos)
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Make the meatball mixture:

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix together gently with your hands or a fork until all ingredients are well incorporated.

Shape the meatballs:

1. Form the meat mixture into balls, using about 1 tablespoon of mixture per meatball.
2. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching.

1. Bake the meatballs: Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through.

Prepare the sweet and sour sauce:

1. While the meatballs are baking, combine the jelly, chili sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger in a saucepan.
2. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently until the jelly is melted and the sauce is smooth.

1. Combine the meatballs and sauce: Once the meatballs are done, you can add them directly to the saucepan and toss to coat, or place them in a slow cooker and pour the sauce over them.

Finish cooking:

1. If using a saucepan, simmer the meatballs in the sauce on low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. If using a slow cooker, cook on low for 2-3 hours.
3. Serve the meatballs as an appetizer with toothpicks or over rice for a main course.

Tips

• Check seasoning: Before shaping all the meatballs, cook a small amount of the mixture in a pan to check the seasoning. Adjust if necessary.
• Sizing: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to help make uniform-sized meatballs.
• Browning: For a richer flavor, brown the meatballs in a pan before adding to the sauce. This step is optional but adds depth to the flavor.
• Thickening Sauce: To thicken the sauce, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and add it to the sauce while heating.
• Keep warm: If serving at a party or buffet, keep the meatballs warm in a slow cooker set on the ‘warm’ or ‘low’ setting.
• Freezing: You can freeze the meatballs before adding to the sauce. Store them in a freezer bag or airtight container. Thaw and reheat, then add to the sauce when ready to serve.

What to serve with

Sweet and Sour Meatballs with Jelly are a versatile dish that pairs delightfully with various sides.

1. Rice Varieties: A simple bed of white rice is a classic pairing for Sweet and Sour Meatballs with Jelly, as it absorbs the sauce beautifully and adds a subtle, comforting texture. Brown rice provides more nutritional value, while jasmine or basmati rice adds a more distinct flavor.

2. Mashed Potatoes: Another hearty option is creamy mashed potatoes, which make a perfect base for the tangy, rich sauce of the meatballs. The creaminess of the potatoes complements the bold flavors of the dish, making it a satisfying element of the meal.

3. Noodles: Serve the meatballs over a bed of egg noodles or spaghetti for an interesting twist. This combination makes the dish feel like a fusion of American comfort and Italian flair, creating a hearty, wholesome meal.

4. Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Balance the sweet and tangy flavors of your meatballs with some lightly seasoned steamed vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or green beans. Try roasting vegetables like Brussels sprouts, bell peppers, or asparagus with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper for a richer taste.

5. Coleslaw: A fresh coleslaw can add a crunchy, refreshing contrast to the meaty and saucy nature of the dish. Use a traditional coleslaw or experiment with alternatives such as broccoli slaw or a vinegar-based dressing to keep it light.

6. Fresh Salad: A simple green salad dressed with a vinaigrette will help cut through the richness and provide a refreshing element to your meal. Include a mix of lettuce, some cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and maybe some nuts for added texture.

7. Cornbread: For a touch of sweetness to go alongside your sweet and sour meatballs, serve them with a side of warm, buttery cornbread. This combination is particularly comforting during the colder months.

8. Dinner Rolls or Garlic Bread: Keep it simple yet satisfying with some soft dinner rolls or crispy garlic bread. These are great for sopping up any extra sauce and adding a satisfying chewy or crunchy texture to your meal.

9. Fried Rice: For a complete meal in one dish, serve the meatballs over a scoop of fried rice loaded with vegetables and scrambled eggs. This can be a great way to use leftover rice and introduce more flavor and texture contrasts.

10. Soup: Start the meal with a light soup, such as a vegetable broth or a miso soup, to prepare the palate for the main course.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making Sweet and Sour Meatballs with Jelly allows for various ingredient substitutions, allowing you to adapt the recipe to dietary preferences, allergies, or simply what you have on hand. Here is a detailed list of potential substitutes for key ingredients in this flavorful dish:

Meatballs

1. Meat:

Ground Beef:

Substitute: Ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a lighter version. Consider textured vegetable protein (TVP) or mashed lentils for a vegetarian option.

2. Breadcrumbs:

Substitute: Gluten-free breadcrumbs, rolled oats, or crushed crackers are excellent alternatives for those avoiding gluten.

3. Eggs:

Substitute: Use flaxseed meal mixed with water, applesauce, or mashed banana for binding in vegan recipes.

Sweet and Sour Sauce

1. Jelly (commonly grape or cranberry):

Substitute: Any fruit preserve can work depending on your desired flavor profile. Apricot preserves or orange marmalade offer a tangy twist.

2. Chili Sauce:

Substitute: If chili sauce is too spicy or unavailable, use tomato sauce or ketchup with a pinch of chili powder or cayenne.

3. Vinegar:

Substitute: Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can replace white vinegar. For a milder tang, try lemon juice.

4. Brown Sugar:

Substitute: Honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar are good alternatives. Consider a liquid sweetener like stevia or a sugar-free maple syrup for a sugar-free version.

Enhancements and Flavoring

1. Soy Sauce:

Substitute: Tamari is for gluten-free diets, or coconut aminos is for soy-free and lower sodium options.

2. Ginger:

Substitute: Ground ginger can replace fresh if not available, though it’s more concentrated, so use about half the amount.

3. Garlic:

Substitute: Garlic powder can be used instead of fresh garlic cloves, using 1/8 teaspoon per clove.

Final thoughts

These sweet and sour meatballs with jelly are versatile and can easily be altered to suit various tastes and dietary needs. Enjoy this delightful dish that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

More Meat Recipes:

• Ghost Pepper Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
• Slow Roasted Taco Meat Recipe
• Magnolia Table King Ranch Chicken Recipe
• Yard House Maui Pineapple Chicken Recipe
• Hot Dog Wrapped in Dough Recipe