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French Onion Meatballs: A Savoury Delight

French Onion Meatballs are a delectable twist on the classic French onion soup, transforming its rich flavours into a hearty meal that is perfect for any gathering or family dinner. Combining the sweetness of caramelised onions, the richness of beef, and a hint of cheesy goodness, this dish is sure to become a favourite in your home.

A Brief History

French onion soup has its roots in France, with its evolution dating back to the Roman times when onions were a staple ingredient. It gained popularity in the 18th century, and its flavourful broth, laden with caramelised onions and topped with melted cheese, became a beloved French classic. The idea of using these quintessential flavours in meatballs is a relatively modern culinary innovation, appealing to those who enjoy hearty meals with a comforting, nostalgic essence.

The Ingredients

To make French Onion Meatballs, you will need the following ingredients:

• For the Meatballs:

  • 500g minced beef
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 50g breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Sauce:
  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 50g butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (to aid in caramelisation)
  • 500ml beef stock
  • 100ml white wine (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 100g grated Gruyère cheese (or your cheese of choice)
  • Fresh thyme for garnish

Instructions

1. Caramelise the Onions: In a large frying pan, heat the butter and olive oil over a medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sugar, stirring occasionally. Cook slowly until the onions are deeply caramelised, about 20–30 minutes, taking care not to let them burn. Once they reach a rich golden colour, remove from heat and set aside.

2. Prepare the Meatballs: In a mixing bowl, combine the minced beef, finely chopped onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well incorporated. Form the mixture into small meatballs, approximately the size of a golf ball.

3. Brown the Meatballs: In the same frying pan used for the onions, add a splash of oil and heat over medium heat. Cook the meatballs until browned on all sides. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

4. Make the Sauce: Once the meatballs are browned, add the caramelised onions back into the pan, followed by the beef stock, white wine, and Worcestershire sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 15 minutes, letting the meatballs absorb the rich flavours of the sauce.

5. Add the Cheese: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Transfer the meatballs and sauce to an ovenproof dish, sprinkle the grated Gruyère cheese on top, and bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

6. Serve: Garnish the dish with fresh thyme before serving. French Onion Meatballs can be enjoyed on their own, paired with crusty bread, or served over creamy mashed potatoes for a truly comforting meal.

Conclusion

French Onion Meatballs bring the classic flavours of French cuisine into a new, exciting form. These savoury morsels are ideal for entertaining guests or simply satisfying a hearty craving at home. Easy to prepare and delightfully indulgent, this dish has all the comforting elements that make it a perfect addition to your recipe repertoire. So why not give it a try and bring a taste of France to your dining table? Bon appétit!