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Boil the Potatoes: Peel and chop 5 medium potatoes into large chunks. Place them in a pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Mash the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and return them to the pot. Add 50 grams of grated cheddar cheese, 3 tablespoons of milk, 1 teaspoon of salt, and a pinch of allspice and mint (to taste). Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy.
Set Aside: Set the mashed potato mixture aside while you prepare the meatballs.
Step 2: Prepare the Meatballs
Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 500 grams of ground beef, 2 eggs, 150 grams of finely chopped cabbage, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 finely chopped onion, 1 teaspoon of salt, 3 tablespoons of wheat flour, and spices (black pepper, cumin, paprika, thyme) to taste. Add freshly chopped parsley for an extra burst of flavor.
Shape the Meatballs: Using your hands, mix the ingredients until well combined. Shape the mixture into medium-sized meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter.
Fry the Meatballs: Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the meatballs in batches until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. The meatballs do not need to be fully cooked at this stage as they will finish cooking in the oven. Once browned, set the meatballs aside on a plate.
Step 3: Make the Tomato Sauce
Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet used to fry the meatballs, add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Stir for about 1 minute to cook the tomato paste slightly, then gradually add 1.5 cups of water while stirring.
Simmer the Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Set the sauce aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Layer the Puree: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Spread the mashed potatoes evenly across the bottom of a greased baking dish (about 9×13 inches or a similar size). Make sure the puree forms a solid base for the casserole.
Add the Meatballs: Arrange the browned meatballs on top of the mashed potato layer. Make sure the meatballs are evenly distributed across the dish.
Pour the Tomato Sauce: Pour the prepared tomato sauce over the meatballs, ensuring that each meatball is coated with the sauce.
Top with Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkle 100 grams of grated cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the meatballs are fully cooked through.
Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
Cooking Tips:
Choose the Right Potatoes: Starchy potatoes, such as russets, work best for mashed potatoes as they yield a fluffier texture. For a creamier mash, add a little more milk or butter to the puree.
Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices like black pepper, cumin, and paprika will enhance the flavor of the meatballs. Adjust the spice levels according to your taste preference.
Adding Veggies to Meatballs: The addition of cabbage in the meatballs helps add moisture and nutrients. You can also experiment with other vegetables like grated zucchini or carrots.
Customize the Cheese: You can substitute cheddar with mozzarella, parmesan, or a combination of cheeses for a different flavor profile.
Storage:
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