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These savory chicken meatballs have become a family favorite for balanced, delicious meals. Fresh zucchini adds wonderful lightness while prosciutto brings a perfect salty note that enhances all the flavors. Making a large batch ensures there's always a satisfying meal ready to enjoy.
Essential Ingredients
- For the meatballs:
- Fresh ground chicken
- Firm zucchini
- Thinly sliced prosciutto
- Sweet onions
- Fresh egg
- Homemade breadcrumbs
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Signature spice blend
- For the vegetable rice:
- Short grain rice
- Colorful bell peppers
- Yellow onions
- Quality olive oil
- Red pepper flakes
Crafting Perfect Meatballs
- Preparing the vegetables
- Start by sautéing the zucchini in hot oil until it releases its moisture and becomes tender.
- Creating the mixture
- Combine the prosciutto with other ingredients until well incorporated and fragrant.
- Shaping and baking
- Form uniform meatballs with dampened hands, then bake until golden brown.
Bell Pepper Preparation
- Vegetable medley
- Slowly cook peppers and onions in a large skillet until they become soft and slightly caramelized, releasing their natural sweetness.
Jar Preservation Method
- Assembly technique
- Layer each jar systematically with rice, colorful peppers, and golden meatballs for optimal presentation.
- Preservation process
- Process jars in a water bath for two hours to ensure proper preservation and shelf stability.
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Nutritional Benefits
Each serving provides a complete nutritional profile in a delicious format. Regional spices add distinctive flavor that makes this dish continuously requested. It's an excellent solution for creating balanced, satisfying meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can you freeze the meatballs?
Absolutely! Freeze them either cooked or raw. To keep them at their best, place them on a tray to freeze first, then transfer to a bag.
- → How long do the jars last?
If sterilized, the jars stay good for up to a year in a cool, dark space. Once opened, eat within 3 days.
- → Can I skip sterilizing the jars?
If you’d rather not sterilize, make the dish to eat right away or store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- → What’s the trick to tender meatballs?
Avoid squeezing the meat too tightly when shaping the balls, and keep your hands wet to make the process easier. The zucchini will help keep them soft too.
- → Can I replace the ham?
Sure! Use dry-cured ham or prosciutto. Since they add flavor and salt, just adjust the seasoning to your taste.