Zuppa Di Polpettini Recipes

ZUPPA DI MUSSELS

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the shallots, garlic, salt and pepper and saute for 2 minutes. Add the mussels, a touch of water and cover to steam until the mussels open.
• Meanwhile, in a skillet (no oil) over medium-high heat, add the chorizo, fennel, tomatoes and chile flakes and heat over medium-high heat.
• Cover the pan with a lid to bring up the temperature. Add the white wine and cook uncovered to reduce for 2 minutes, then add the fra diavolo tomato sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
• Once the mussels open, remove them from the liquid and place them on a plate. Add the mussel liquid to the skillet with the tomato mixture and mix it in to build layers of flavors. Add the mussels and parsley, mix and season to taste.
• In a bowl, plate the mussels and generously cover with the sauce.

POLPETTINI

Steps:

• Coat a large skillet with olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add 3 diced onions, season with salt and cook until soft, 8 to 10 minutes. Add 3 finely chopped garlic cloves and cook 2 to 3 more minutes. Let cool.
• Mix 1/2 pound each ground beef, veal and pork with the onion mixture, 3/4 cup Parmigiano, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup water, 3 eggs and 3 tablespoons finely chopped rosemary; season with salt. The mixture should be pretty loosey-goosey; add 1 to 2 tablespoons more water if needed. Roll into 1-inch balls.
• Working in four batches, cook the polpettini in olive oil in a large skillet over high heat, turning, until browned. Add 1/2 cup chicken stock to each batch; cook until reduced by half, 2 to 3 minutes. Serve on rosemary sprig "toothpicks."

POLPETTINI

Steps:

• Coat a large saute pan with olive oil and put the pan over medium heat. Add the onions, season with salt, to taste, and saute until they are translucent and aromatic but have no color, about 5 to 6 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 2 to 3 more minutes. Remove from the heat and cool.
• In a large bowl, combine the meats, rosemary, Parmesan, water, bread crumbs, and eggs. Season generously with salt and add the cooked onions and garlic. Combine until well mixed. (Squish with your hands, it's fun!)
• Make a small patty of the meat mixture. Cook it and eat it. This is a tester patty to check and see if the seasoning is correct (it will probably need salt). Adjust the seasoning, if needed.
• Roll the meat mixture into 3/4-inch meatballs. Coat a large saute pan with olive oil and put over high heat. Working in batches, cook the polpettini until they are brown on all sides. Add half a cup of chicken stock and cook until the stock has reduced by half. Remove to serving platters. Repeat this process until all the polpettini are cooked and serve immediately. Buonissimo!