Rediscover leftovers with this traditional Tuscan meatball recipe, turning boiled beef into a delicious meal. Each bite is a taste of tradition and comfort! Let’s cook!

Florentine Boiled Beef Meatballs

Guido Pasquariello

Let's try Polpette di lesso, transform leftover boiled beef into delectable Tuscan meatballs, a simple yet flavorful dish, combining tender meat with spices and breadcrumbs.

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Prep Time 40

Cook Time 5

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Equipment

Knife
Potato masher
Bowl
Frying pan

Ingredients

1.1 lbs boiled beef finely chopped
2 lbs potatoes
2 eggs
½ cup Grana Padano cheese grated
Breadcrumbs as needed
Nutmeg as needed
Pepper as needed
Salt as needed
Peanut oil for frying

Instructions

Finely Chop Beef: Finely chop the pre-cooked and chilled beef (ideally left in the fridge overnight) and place it in a bowl.
1.1 lbs boiled beef
Boil Potatoes: Boil the potatoes until cooked, then mash them.
2 lbs potatoes
Combine Ingredients: Add the mashed potatoes to the beef in the bowl. Incorporate eggs, salt, pepper, nutmeg, grated cheese, and a sprinkle of breadcrumbs.
2 eggs, ½ cup Grana Padano cheese, Breadcrumbs as needed, Nutmeg as needed, Pepper as needed, Salt as needed
Mix and Shape: Mix all ingredients well to form a homogeneous mixture. With moistened hands, form the mixture into meatballs and roll them in breadcrumbs.
Fry Meatballs: Fry the meatballs in hot peanut oil until they form a golden crust on the surface.
Peanut oil for frying
Serve Hot: Enjoy these Tuscan meatballs warm, perfect as a flavorful main dish.

Notes

Adjust seasoning according to taste.
Ensure meatballs are evenly sized for consistent cooking.

Polpette di Lesso: A Must-Try Meatball from Florence

Have you ever heard of Polpette di Lesso? They’re also known as Tuscan or Florentine meatballs. These meatballs are super tasty and will make your taste buds really happy! You can learn more about traditional Florentine dishes here.

Polpette di Lesso are made from boiled beef. They’re mixed with breadcrumbs, eggs, grated cheese, and herbs. Then, they’re rolled into small balls and cooked until tender. When you take a bite, they’re soft and full of flavor. You’ll definitely want more!

You can find these meatballs in lots of places in Florence. They’re at restaurants, small eateries, and even street food stands. People usually eat them as a main dish or with other meaty foods. Both locals and tourists love them, so they’re easy to find on menus all over the city.