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Fennel Pork Meatballs

Fennel Pork Meatballs
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Fennel Pork Meatballs are a flavorful and textured dish combining juicy ground pork and aromatic toasted fennel seeds. Quick and easy to prepare, these meatballs offer a perfect balance of herbs, spices, and savory richness, ideal for family dinners, gatherings, or as versatile appetizers. Mild and kid-friendly with simple ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 1 tbsp fennel seeds, lightly toasted and crushed
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free crumbs/almond flour for gluten-free option)
  • 1 large egg
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

For Cooking

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the fennel seeds: Lightly toast the fennel seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, then crush them coarsely to release their sweet, aromatic oils.
  2. Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, toasted fennel seeds, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, breadcrumbs, and egg. Season generously with salt and pepper, then mix gently until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
  3. Shape the meatballs: Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into evenly sized balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter for even cooking.
  4. Cook the meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches without crowding and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
  5. Serve or simmer: Serve directly as is, or transfer the cooked meatballs to your favorite tomato or cream sauce and gently simmer for extra juiciness and flavor.

Notes

  • Always toast the fennel seeds to unlock their full flavor before adding to the mixture.
  • Mix the meatball ingredients just until combined to avoid tough meatballs.
  • Use a scoop or spoon to make meatballs uniform size for even cooking.
  • Cook over medium heat to achieve a golden crust without burning.
  • Let meatballs rest a few minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute.

Nutrition

Keywords: fennel pork meatballs, pork meatballs, fennel seeds, easy meatball recipe, gluten free meatballs, quick dinner, kid-friendly meatballs

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/fennel-pork-meatballs/