She Strengthens

Meatballs Flanders Style: A Hearty Dish Inspired by Belgian Cuisine

In the heart of Europe, meatballs are a beloved staple, with each country boasting its own unique twist. From Sweden to Germany, Italy, and beyond, these savory bites bring people together. Today, we’re taking a culinary journey to Flanders, where rich flavors and hearty portions reign supreme.

A Delicious Detour from Traditional Carbonnade

Inspired by the classic Flemish Carbonnade, we’re substituting tender meatballs for the traditional beef, veal, or pork. This innovative take is perfect for a cozy dinner party or a crowd-pleasing potluck. And, with its easy doubling capabilities, you can feed a crowd in no time.

The Perfect Pairing: Blue Moon Beer

What better way to infuse our Meatballs Flanders Style with authentic flavor than with a glass of Blue Moon beer? This Belgian-style “white” beer, flavored with orange peel, adds a subtle yet distinctive twist to our sauce. If you can’t get your hands on Blue Moon, don’t worry – a teaspoon of finely grated orange zest will do the trick.

Meatballs Fit for a King (or Queen)

To create these mouthwatering meatballs, you’ll need:

• ¾ cup whole milk
• 3 slices white bread, crusts removed
• ½ cup coarsely grated mild Gouda or Gouda-style cheese
• 1½ cups loosely packed fresh parsley leaves, finely minced
• ¾ cup finely minced onion
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon ground allspice
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 pound ground pork
• ½ cup flour, for coating and browning the meatballs
• ¼ cup vegetable oil, or as needed

Savory Sauce and Garnish

For the sauce and garnish, you’ll need:

• 3 slices bacon
• 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
• 2 teaspoons flour
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons malt or cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme leaves or ½ teaspoon crushed dried thyme leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Fresh ground black pepper
• ½ cup of good chicken or beef broth
• 1 1/2 cups Blue Moon beer (or substitute with orange zest)
• 1/3 to 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Pinch of ground nutmeg
• Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Warm the milk, then press bread into it; set aside.
2. Combine grated cheese, parsley, onion, eggs, salt, white pepper, black pepper, and allspice in a large bowl.
3. Add ground beef, ground pork, and milk-soaked bread; knead or mix until well-blended.
4. Coat meat mixture with flour and shape into 1½-inch balls.
5. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; sear meatballs until browned on all sides.
6. Cook bacon until crisp, then sauté sliced onions in the bacon drippings until tender.
7. Transfer onions to a Dutch oven, adding flour, brown sugar, vinegar, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
8. Add broth and Blue Moon beer; whisk until the mixture bubbles.
9. Simmer meatballs in the sauce for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
10. Whisk in cream and nutmeg; adjust seasoning as needed.
11. Serve hot, garnished with crumbled bacon and chopped parsley.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Meatballs Flanders Style with:

• Buttered little new potatoes tossed with chopped parsley
• Buttered noodles tossed with chopped parsley
• A refreshing slaw or a hearty braise of red cabbage, beets, and apples

Get ready to indulge in a culinary adventure that will leave your taste buds singing!