Lemon Fennel Pork Meatballs Recipes

PORK TENDERLOIN WITH LEMON AND FENNEL

Steps:

• Combine 1 tablespoon of the lemon oil, garlic paste, zest, fennel seeds, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub the mixture over the pork tenderloins and let stand at room temperature, covered, for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
• Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons lemon oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the pork tenderloins, about 5 minutes total. Transfer to a baking pan and roast the pork for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until an inserted instant read thermometer reads 150 degrees F, about 15 to 20 minutes, for medium, or to desired doneness. Remove the pork to a platter and let sit for 10 minutes before cutting into thin slices.
• Variation: If you'd like to serve fresh fennel alongside the pork, after browning the pork, add the fennel to the same skillet. Cook the fennel, stirring frequently, over medium heat until it begins to brown, about 10 minutes. Add a minced garlic clove, a teaspoon of sugar and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add 3/4 cup cool water, bring to a boil and simmer until the liquid is all evaporated and the fennel is fork-tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.
• Place the oil and the zest in a glass jar. Let stand at room temperature for at least 2 weeks, shaking occasionally.
• Pour the oil through a strainer and discard the zest. Transfer to a jar and store, tightly covered, at in refrigerator.

LEMON & FENNEL PORK MEATBALLS

Steps:

• In a medium pan, heat 1 tbsp of the oil over a medium heat. Add the onion and garlic to the pan and cook for 5 mins. Tip in the tomatoes with a splash of water, increase the heat and allow to bubble for 15 mins.
• Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the lemon zest, mince, fennel seeds and a good pinch of seasoning. Mix well, then shape into walnut-sized balls.
• Heat the remaining oil in a lidded frying pan over a medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown for 5 mins, then pour the tomato sauce into the pan. Simmer for 10 mins, then add the kale, cover with a lid and cook for 5 mins more until wilted. Season to taste, and scatter over the pine nuts. Serve with the lemon wedges, for squeezing over, and crusty bread or mash, if you like.

PORK AND FENNEL RAGOUT

Steps:

• Grind the fennel seeds with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a spice grinder or chop with a knife. Transfer to a medium bowl; mix with the lemon juice and pork. Add the flour and toss to coat. In another bowl, mix the lemon zest with 2 tablespoons parsley.
• Heat a deep skillet or pot over high heat and add the olive oil. Brown the pork in batches, 1 minute per side; transfer to a plate. Add the shallots, fennel bulb, the remaining 3 tablespoons parsley, and salt to taste to the skillet. Reduce the heat and cook until the vegetables are wilted, 2 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, 3 minutes.
• Add the mushrooms, wine and 1/2 cup water; scrape up any browned bits. Cover and simmer over low heat until the fennel is tender, 12 minutes. Add the pork and heat through, 2 to 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and top with the lemon zest-parsley mixture.

VIETNAMESE LEMONGRASS MEATBALLS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
• Combine ground pork, bread crumbs, shallot, lemongrass paste, mint, fish sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger root, and salt in a large bowl. Using a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop, shape mixture into meatballs, and place on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake in the preheated oven until meatballs are no longer pink in the center and cooked through, about 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, prepare the dipping sauce by mixing water, fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, Thai chile, and garlic in a small bowl.
• Set an oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven's broiler.
• Place meatballs under the hot broiler just until the tops start to turn brown to get a little color and crispness, about 2 minutes. Serve with the dipping sauce.