Bahamian Meatballs Recipe (With Spinach)
Here’s a delicious recipe for Bahamian meatballs with spinach:
Ingredients:
For the meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup cooked spinach, drained and chopped
For the sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, paprika, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, and chopped spinach. Mix well using your hands.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1-1/2 inches in diameter and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through and golden brown.
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and bay leaf. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, carefully transfer them to the skillet with the sauce. Gently stir to coat the meatballs with the sauce. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the Bahamian meatballs with spinach over cooked spaghetti, rice, or with crusty bread. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Bahamian meatballs with spinach!