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These seasoned chicken meatballs have become a household favorite, combining fresh vegetables with savory cured ham for the perfect balance of flavors. The zucchini adds wonderful moisture while the Bayonne ham provides just the right touch of saltiness. Making a large batch ensures delicious meals are always ready to serve.
Key Ingredients
- For the meatballs:
- Fresh ground chicken
- Garden zucchini
- Thinly sliced Bayonne ham
- Sweet onions
- Fresh egg
- Homemade breadcrumbs
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Signature spice blend
- For the vegetable rice:
- Short grain rice
- Bell peppers, assorted colors
- Yellow onions
- Quality olive oil
- Pinch of chili flakes
Preparing the Meatballs
- Cooking the zucchini
- First, sauté the diced zucchini until tender and most moisture has evaporated.
- Combining ingredients
- Mix in the ham and remaining ingredients until well incorporated and aromatic.
- Forming and baking
- Shape mixture into uniform balls and bake until golden brown.
Bell Pepper Preparation
- Creating the vegetable base
- Slowly cook peppers and onions in a large skillet until soft and lightly caramelized, developing their natural sweetness.
Jar Assembly
- Layering components
- Carefully layer rice, peppers, and meatballs in sterilized jars for balanced portions.
- Preservation method
- Process filled jars in a water bath for two hours to ensure proper preservation.
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A Complete Meal
Each portion provides excellent nutrition while delivering satisfying flavor. The blend of southwestern spices makes this dish especially appealing to children. It's an ideal solution for serving balanced, delicious meals any day of the week.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can these meatballs be frozen?
Absolutely! Freeze them before or after cooking. To make it easier, freeze on a tray first, then transfer into a bag.
- → How long do they last in jars?
Once sterilized, the jars stay good for up to a year if kept cool and away from light. After opening, eat within 3 days.
- → Is sterilization necessary?
If you’re skipping the sterilization process, enjoy the dish right away or store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- → Tips for soft meatballs?
Don't over-pack the meat, and keep your hands moist to shape them easily. Zucchini adds extra softness.
- → Can the ham be substituted?
Sure, try using cured ham or prosciutto instead. Since ham adds both flavor and salt, adjust seasonings accordingly.