Travels with Darley Podcast: Liège Belgium Food Tour: Meatballs, Convent Beer, & Famous Waffles

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground pork is often less expensive.

red wine

🥗Healthier: grape juice

💰Cheaper: white wine

Grape juice provides sweetness without alcohol, while white wine is typically cheaper.

beef stock

🥗Healthier: vegetable stock

💰Cheaper: water + bouillon

Vegetable stock is lighter, and bouillon cubes are often more affordable.

brown sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: white sugar

Honey adds natural sweetness, while white sugar is more economical.

Mix ground beef and ground pork in a large bowl until well combined.

Finely chop onion and garlic, then sauté in a skillet over medium heat until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add sautéed onion and garlic to the meat mixture along with bread crumbs, egg, parsley, thyme, salt, and black pepper.

Form the mixture into large meatballs, about the size of a golf ball.

Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides, about 8-10 minutes.

Remove the meatballs and set aside.

In the same pot, add tomato paste and brown sugar, stirring for 2 minutes until caramelized.

Pour in red wine and scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze, then add beef stock and bay leaf.

Return the meatballs to the pot, cover, and simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes until cooked through.

Serve the meatballs with sauce over mashed potatoes or fries.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level:

Allergens