Ingredients
FOR THE MEATBALLS:
- 1 saltine crackers (or soda cracker) sleeve
- 1 small onion diced
- 5 cloves garlic chopped
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley
- 1 pound ground veal
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon House Seasoning Blend
FOR THE PICCATA SAUCE:
- 4 tablespoons butter divided
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 shallot finely diced
- ½ cup white wine
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1/4 cup capers drained
- 2 tablespoons butter cubed
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley minced
- Parsley for garnish
Instructions
MEATBALLS:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Place the saltines in a food processor and process until they are fine crumbs; transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Add the onion, garlic and parsley to the food process and process until everything is finely minced; transfer to the bowl with the bread crumbs.
- Add the veal, parmesan cheese, egg, lemon zest and House Seasoning to the breadcrumbs.
- Gently mix until all of the ingredients are combined. Be careful not to over-mix.
- Form veal mixture into meatballs.
- Place meatballs on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes or until an internal temperature of 160 degrees F.
SAUCE:
- Add 2 tablespoons of butter to a skillet over medium-high heat.
- When the butter has melted, add the shallots and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add wine and stir until it reduces by half, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in flour and whisk until combined.
- Whisk in chicken broth and lemon juice.
- Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add capers and baked meatballs.
- Simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and stir until melted and combined.
- Top with fresh parsley.
Expert Tips
- Piccata Recipe Can be Doubled: Great recipe for a crowd or a make ahead meal. Simply increase the ingredients proportionately and split it into two baking dishes before baking.
- Crackers: A different cracker can be utilized, even a gluten free one if required for your dietary needs.
- Serving suggestions: Pasta is great, choose a gluten free or whole wheat pasta if required. However, risotto or couscous are fabulous with this too.
- Variation tip: Add a nice Italian seasoning blend to your meatballs.
- Sandwich: Make an incredible sandwich on a toasted roll, with these meatballs drizzled with the sauce and topped with some provolone or mozzarella.
- Cooking Tip: Always use a meat thermometer so that you do not overcook these tender meatballs.
