Showing posts with label Chicken. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chicken. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Spicy Chicken Meatballs

Recipe by Paula

If you're looking for killer meatballs, look no further. These little darlings are a hit every time I serve them. I even had a husband and wife fight over leftovers. ;) This recipe makes a lot of meatballs, so use what you need and freeze the rest of the meatball mixture in small bags so they are ready anytime you need to make some. Use your favourite hot sauce in the recipe and add as much or as little as you like. I serve these with a creamy Lemon, Garlic & Parsley Aioli (recipe below) but they are also great on their own. Enjoy!

Serves 8-12

Ingredients:
2 slices bacon
2 slices white bread
2 tablespoons white wine or beer
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons sunflower oil
2 tablespoons piri piri sauce or your favourite hot sauce (to taste)
2 lbs ground chicken
1 large egg
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon oregano
Oil for frying

Directions:

1. Fry the bacon in a frying pan until it is half cooked. Allow the bacon to cool then chop into small pieces.

2. In a food processor, combine bread, wine, onion, garlic, parsley, oil and hot sauce. Process until smooth and combined.

3. In a large bowl, combine chicken, egg, salt, pepper, oregano, chopped bacon and the mixture from the food processor. Thoroughly combine the meatball mix. Test the seasoning of the mixture by cooking a small amount (microwave for 20-30 seconds). Adjust the seasoning if needed and refrigerate the meatball mix until needed.

4. Form the meat into 1 inch round balls. You can make them bigger but they will take longer to cook.

5. In a deep frying pan over medium high heat, add 2 inches of oil. Bring the oil temperature up to 350°F. Adjust the heat to keep the temperature at 350°F while frying. Fry the meatballs (in batches), until they are golden brown and cooked through (about 1 - 1 1/2 minutes per side depending on the size of the meatballs). Cut one open to check doneness. Place meatballs on a paper towel lined tray to soak up any excess oil.
    


Lemon Garlic & Parsley Aioli
Recipe by Paula

Makes: 1 1/2 cups

Ingredients:
1 egg
1 teaspoon Dijon
2 garlic cloves
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 cup sunflower oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
1. In blender combine egg, Dijon, garlic, parsley and lemon juice.

2. Process at high speed until completely combined.

3. With bender still on, add the oil in a slow stream and blend until mixture is fluffy and creamy. (If the aioli gets too thick, add a little cold water and continue blending)

4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

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Sunday, March 16, 2014

Chicken Wings (Portuguese Style)

Recipe by Paula.

I've been making these chicken wings for years now. They have classic Portuguese seasonings and are savoury with just the right amount of heat. I dare you to just eat one. Double dog dare you! You can always adjust the heat in these wings by increasing/decreasing the cayenne pepper and red chili flakes.

Serves: 6 to 8

Ingredients:
2 large garlic cloves, peeled and sliced
1 large bay leaf, crumbled fine
2 teaspoons paprika
1 tablespoon kosher or coarse salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed dried red chili flakes
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 lbs of uncooked chicken wings

Directions:
1. Using a mortar and pestle (or food processor), mash the garlic, bay leaf, paprika, salt, chili peppers, black pepper and olive oil into a paste. Put the paste mixture into a large ziploc bag. Add chicken wings to the bag, seal the bag and rub the paste all over the wings. Refrigerate for several hours or over night.

2. Remove the chicken wings from the refrigerator and let stand at room temperature 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the broiler.

3. Arrange the wings on a lightly oiled cookie sheet; place it 6 inches from the heat. Broil the chicken wings 10-15 minutes until nicely browned; turn the wings and brown another 10 minutes longer until sizzling. It might take less time depending on your oven.

4. Transfer the chicken wings to a plate and drizzle the pan drippings over the wings.
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