Garlic-Filled Meatballs

  • 6

Ingredients

  • 4 whole garlic bulbs
  • 1 T. olive oil
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/3 cup dry bread crumbs
  • 1 t. each: salt and pepper
  • 1 1/2 lbs. ground beef
  • Sweet Onion Chutney
  • 3 bacon strips, diced
  • 1 1/4 cups thinly sliced sweet onion
  • 1 to 2 T. red wine vinegar
  • 1 1/2 t. sugar
  • Dash pepper
  • 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese
  • Toasted French bread slices, optional

Preparation

Step 1

Remove papery outer skin from garlic (do not peel or separate cloves). Cut tops off bulbs. Brush with oil. Wrap each bulb in heavy-duty foil. Bake at 425 degrees for 30-35 minutes. Squeeze softened garlic into a bowl; set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the egg, bread crumbs, salt and pepper. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Divide into 18 portions; flatten. Top each with 1/2 t. softened garlic; form beef mixture around garlic into meatballs. Set remaining garlic aside.
In a large skillet, cook meatballs in batches until browned on all sides and meat is no longer pink.
Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Add onion; cook for 4-6 minutes or until tender. Reduce heat; stir in the vinegar, sugar, pepper and remaining roasted garlic. Cook for 2 minutes or until heated through.
Drain the meatballs; top with the chutney and goat cheese. Serve with toasted French bread, if desired.