Global
Meatball Skewers
Grilled ground beef or lamb meatballs on skewers
250 kcalper serving26g protein0g carbs20g fat
Ingredients
- 200 g Ground beef or lamb
- to taste Salt (optional)
Cooking Steps
Preheat the oven to 200C (390F) if baking, or heat a grill to medium-high if grilling.
Season the ground meat with salt, if using, then shape into small meatballs about 3cm across.
Thread the meatballs onto skewers (soak wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes first if grilling, to stop them scorching).
Bake for 15 minutes, turning once halfway, or grill for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned all over and cooked through.
Serve hot, straight off the skewers.
Plant & Growing Tips
Parsley
- Not in the recipe, but grow it for a fresh garnish or to add herbaceous flavour to the meatballs.
- Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, or direct sow after all danger of frost has passed in a location with partial shade during the hottest part of the day.
- Keep soil consistently moist and consider growing in containers for easy access and mobility.
Cherry Tomatoes
- Not in the recipe, but grow these for a fresh, juicy side to cut the richness of the skewers.
- Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, or plant young seedlings directly into full sun (6-8 hours daily) after the last frost.
- Provide sturdy stakes or cages early on to support the vigorous growth and heavy fruit production.
Natural Pest Control
- Aphids: Spray affected plants with a strong stream of water or an insecticidal soap solution.
- Tomato Hornworms: Hand-pick these large caterpillars from tomato plants and drop them into a bucket of soapy water.
- Slugs and Snails: Create beer traps or use copper tape around the base of young plants to deter them.
Harvest
Parsley
- Snip outer stems close to the ground when leaves are well-formed to encourage continuous production.
- Harvest regularly, cutting only what you need, and avoid letting the plant go to seed to prolong its leafy life.
Cherry Tomatoes
- Pick fruit when they are fully colored and feel slightly soft when gently squeezed.
- Harvest frequently to encourage the plant to produce more fruit, as leaving ripe tomatoes on the vine can slow production.
- If left too long, cherry tomatoes can split, especially after heavy rain.
