They grew up together and their restaurants are across the street from each other. Why not have a friendly competition between Jasper’s and Southside Bar and Grille? The two restaurant owners are going to go head-to-head in a good old fashion cook-off! Jasper's Chef Jasper J. Mirabile Jr. and Anne Alexiou of Southside Bar & Grille are kicking off this great contest.
Chef Jasper Mirabile’s Italian Meatballs
Makes 16 to 18 meatballs
- 2 pounds 80 percent lean ground beef
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (about 4 ounces)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup minced onion
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups bread crumbs
- 1 1/2 cups water or broth
- 1 cup olive oil
In a large mixing bowl, combine the beef, eggs, cheese, parsley, garlic, onion, salt and pepper, and mix well. Blend the bread crumbs into the meat mixture. Slowly add the water until the mixture is moist. Shape the meat mixture into 2 1/2- to 3-inch balls. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium to high heat. Fry the meatballs in batches, being careful not to crowd the pan. When the bottoms of the meatballs are well browned and slightly crisp, after 5 to 6 minutes, turn and cook the other side for 5 minutes to brown and crisp them. Remove the meatballs from the heat and drain them on paper towels.
Southside Bar & Grille Meatballs
Makes 30 -45 meatballs
- 2.5 lbs of hamburger meat (80/20 is the best - need some fat)
- 2 1/4 cups of bread crumbs 3/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cups diced (very fine) onion 5 minced garlic cloves (to your liking)
- 1/4 cups diced (very fine) fresh parsley
- 1/2 tablespoons of crushed red pepper (to your liking)
- 1/4 tablespoon of black pepper
- 1/2 tablespoons of salt 5 eggs
Directions
Preheat oven to 400. In a very large bowl, mix all of the ingredients together very well. Roll
mixture into golf ball sized balls and place. While rolling occasionally dip hands in bowl of
water to keep them moist. Bake in oven for 7 minutes and flip over all meatballs and continue
to bake for 7 minutes. Meatballs should cook longer in spaghetti sauce on low (at least 2-3
hours).