The name, vodka, comes from the Russian phrase zhiznennaia voda, or "water of life". It can be made from everything from potatoes to beets. It's considered to be fairly flavorless which makes it a great liquor for mixed drinks.
Grape Jelly Swedish Meatballs
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Meatballs coated with a sweet and spicy grape jelly sauce are addicting. Pop them on toothpicks for an easy appetizer.
serves/makes:
ready in:
under 30 minutes
under 30 minutes
ingredients
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 large onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, pressed or minced
2 cups tomato sauce
1 tablespoon prepared mustard
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 cup grape jelly
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 1/2 pound ground beef
6 tablespoons seasoned bread crumbs
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
directions
Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring frequently, for 3 minutes.
Add the garlic to the saucepan and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the tomato sauce, mustard, vinegar, grape jelly, and chili powder. Mix well, cover the saucepan, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let cook for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well. Roll the meat mixture into 3/4-inch meatballs and set aside on a plate. When all the meatballs are formed, add them to the simmering sauce, stirring gently so the meatballs do not stick together. Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for 10-15 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through. Stir the sauce occasionally while it simmers.
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recipe tips
For a smoother sauce, you can blend it in a blender or food processor before adding the meatballs.
If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a little beef broth or water.
To prevent the meatballs from sticking together, give them a gentle stir occasionally while simmering in the sauce.
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (to either the meatball mixture or the sauce) for extra heat if you prefer a spicier dish.
Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to the sauce for added flavor.
To brown the meatballs before simmering in the sauce, you can bake them in the oven for a few minutes or brown them in a skillet with a little oil.
Try different seasonings in the meatballs, such as Italian seasoning or smoked paprika.
Serve the meatballs with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions.
common recipe questions
What is the purpose of the grape jelly in the sauce?
The grape jelly adds a sweet and slightly tart flavor to the sauce, balancing out the savory ingredients like the tomato sauce and chili powder.
Can I use a different flavored jelly?
You can use a different flavor keeping in mind it will change the overall taste of the dish.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for the meatballs?
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef in the meatballs for a lighter option.
How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?
The meatballs are cooked through when they reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees F and are no longer pink inside.
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time and reheat them in the sauce?
You can make the meatballs ahead of time and reheat them in the sauce before serving. Just be careful not to overcook them in the sauce.
How long can I store leftover meatballs in the refrigerator?
Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the sauce before serving.
Can I freeze the meatballs?
You can freeze the meatballs in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating.
tools needed
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For measuring the ingredients such as the vegetable oil, tomato sauce, grape jelly, and bread crumbs.
Saucepan: Used to cook the onion, garlic, tomato sauce, mustard, cider vinegar, grape jelly, and chili powder together to create the sweet and spicy sauce that coats the meatballs.
Mixing Bowl: For combining the ground beef, bread crumbs, salt, and pepper to create the meatball mixture.
Plate: To hold the formed meatballs before adding them to the sauce.
Spatula: Helpful for stirring the sauce and meatballs gently.
Toothpicks: Optional for serving the meatballs as an easy-to-eat appetizer.
what goes with it?
Baked Brie: the gooey baked brie will balance out the sweet and spicy flavors of the meatballs. Plus, it's always a good time for melty cheese.
Candied Bacon: because why not add more sweetness to the mix? The crispy, caramelized bacon will provide a salty-sweet crunch.
Jalapeno Poppers: the heat from the jalapenos will pair perfectly with the sweet grape jelly sauce.
Jalapeno Cornbread: balance out the sweetness of the grape jelly sauce with a slice of spicy jalapeno cornbread.
Garlic Bread: The crunchy texture and buttery goodness of garlic bread provide a perfect vessel to soak up any leftover sauce.
Rice: Serving the meatballs over a bed of fluffy rice allows the savory sauce to soak in, creating a dish that highlights both the meatballs and the tasty sauce.
Grilled Pineapple: The smoky sweetness of grilled pineapple can complement the meatballs beautifully.
nutrition data
Nutritional data has not been calculated yet.
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