Bola-Bola ( Meat Balls)

Earlier today I made Lumpia Shanghai. Actually, I had a little over a pound of ground pork ( a little over 500 grams) and was wondering how to best utilize the meat for at least two dishes for two different meals. I simply removed a cup for my Shanghai rolls and then reserved the rest for later.

When evening came, I decided to make Bola-Bola ( Bola is Filipino for balls, so the name means; balls, balls) 

Bola-Bola with Sweet Chili Sauce

Yes, almost every country has a meatball version, and I respect that, but this does not mean that our bola-bola is not Filipino in origin. This recipe however, is not very picky  with the meat, any ground pork will do.


I realized early on, that using  purely lean meat does not necessarily produce the best product. A little fat will bring out all the goodness of pork meat.

Let's Cook!

INGREDIENTS:

300 grams ground pork
1-2 T grated carrot
1 small red onion, minced
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1 1/4 tsp rock salt
1 tsp al purpose seasoning
1 egg
2-3 T flour
1/2 cup bread crumbs


PROCEDURE:

1. Combine first 6 ingredients and mash well with hands until well-combined. Mixture will be a little too wet.

2. Add flour and mix with a spoon until the mixture can hold a shape. Form each heaping tablespoonful into balls about a golfball or bigger. Roll in breadcrumbs.

3. To cook: Fry in deep, hot oil in medium-high heat untti golden brown on one side. Flip on the other side. Drain excess oil in paper towels.


Deep Frying the balls

4. Serve hot or cold with tomato catsup or sweet chili sauce and a cold vegetable salad and rice or bread rolls.


Pinoy Bola-bola

NOTE:
        These Bola-bola are crisp outside and non-greasy. I made 10 big pieces. My sister who happened to be around for dinner was quick to compliment that the Bola-bola I served, was a winner. Yay! How's that for instant feedback?

        Leftovers, if any, may be served with a sweet and sour sauce to make Sweet and Sour Bola-bola. This same recipe can make 20 small balls just for the saucy dish. Frugal but tasty homecooking at its best.