MEATBALL

Definition of MEATBALL

MEATBALL Noun

Meatball is primarily a noun referring to a small ball of ground meat, typically seasoned and cooked by frying, baking, or boiling.

Culinary Delicacy: A meatball is a versatile dish enjoyed across various cuisines, often made from beef, pork, veal, or a combination of meats. These are seasoned with herbs, spices, breadcrumbs, or other fillers to enhance flavor and texture. For example, “Italian cuisine is famous for its savory meatballs served with pasta.”

Cooking Methods: Meatballs can be cooked in different ways depending on regional preferences. They are commonly fried, baked, or simmered in sauces to impart rich flavors and tender textures. For instance, “Swedish meatballs are often served with lingonberry sauce.”

Variety in Cuisine: Meatballs are a staple in many cultures and are prepared in diverse styles, sizes, and flavors. They may be served as appetizers, main dishes, or added to soups and stews for added protein and flavor. For example, “Asian cuisines offer variations like spicy meatballs in curry sauces.”

Popularity and Adaptation: Meatballs have gained popularity worldwide due to their ease of preparation, hearty flavors, and adaptability to different ingredients and cooking methods. They are enjoyed in homes, restaurants, and as street food across various cultures. For instance, “Meatball sandwiches are a favorite street food in many Western countries.”

In conclusion, a meatball is a small, seasoned ball of ground meat that is cooked and enjoyed in diverse culinary traditions around the world. Whether as a standalone dish or part of a larger meal, meatballs showcase the creativity and cultural richness of global cuisine.

Examples of MEATBALL in a sentence

  • A meatball is a small ball or rounded mass of ground meat, typically seasoned and cooked.
  • Spaghetti and meatballs is a classic Italian dish enjoyed around the world.
  • Swedish meatballs are often served with lingonberry sauce and mashed potatoes.
  • Vegetarian meatballs made from plant-based ingredients are becoming increasingly popular.
  • The chef prepared a variety of meatballs for the buffet, including beef, pork, and chicken.
  • Some cultures feature meatballs as a staple street food, often served with sauce or in sandwiches.
  • Frozen meatballs are convenient for quick meals and appetizers.
  • Homemade meatballs can be baked, fried, or simmered in sauce for different textures and flavors.

Origin of MEATBALL

The term meatball has a straightforward etymology that reflects its culinary origins and evolution over time.

  • Etymology and Origins: The word meatball is a combination of “meat,” derived from the Old English “mete,” meaning food or flesh, and “ball,” from the Old Norse “bollr,” meaning a spherical object. Together, meatball literally translates to a ball made of meat.
  • Early Usage: The concept of forming ground or minced meat into a ball shape is ancient, with recipes and references appearing in various cultures throughout history. The term itself began to be widely used in English during the 19th century.
  • Culinary Evolution: While the basic concept of a meatball remains consistent—ground meat shaped into a ball—its preparation and ingredients have varied significantly across cultures. For example, Italian meatballs (polpette) often include breadcrumbs and herbs, while Swedish meatballs (köttbullar) might be seasoned with allspice and served with a creamy sauce.
  • Modern Application: In contemporary usage, meatball refers to a versatile food item that can be found in numerous global cuisines, adapting to various ingredients and cooking methods. It has also become a part of colloquial expressions and cultural references.

The term meatball highlights its linguistic simplicity and rich culinary tradition, demonstrating how a basic concept can traverse cultures and centuries while maintaining its core identity.

Synonyms

  • Polpette (Italian for meatball)
  • Albóndiga (Spanish for meatball)
  • Frikadelle (German for meatball)
  • Köfte (Turkish for meatball)
  • Boulette (French for meatball)
  • Kofta (Arabic for meatball)
  • Keftedes (Greek for meatball)

Antonyms

  • Vegetarian
  • Vegan
  • Meatless
  • Plant-based
  • Non-meat
  • Herbivorous
  • Vegetable

Related

  • Ground meat
  • Minced meat
  • Beef
  • Pork
  • Lamb
  • Cuisine
  • Spaghetti
  • Comfort food

🌐 🇬🇧 MEATBALL in other languages

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