Asian Chicken Meatballs Sesame Ginger Food

ASIAN CHICKEN AND CILANTRO MEATBALLS

Steps:

• Make the Kaffir Lime Powder, if using:
• In the spice mill, grind the leaves to a fine powder. Store in the jar with the lid securely tightened at room temperature for up to 1 month. (Makes 2 tablespoons powder.)
• Make the soup:
• Cut the chicken into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes. Spread the meat in a single layer on the baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and freeze for 1 hour. The chicken should be stiff. (Freezing will help the food processor blade cut the meat cleanly rather than tearing or smearing it.)
• Place the cubes in the food processor and process for about 15 seconds, until the chicken is coarsely ground. Transfer the chicken to a large bowl, add 1 tablespoon of the sesame oil and the remaining ingredients (except the stock), and use your hands to blend the mixture
• To prevent the mixture from sticking, wet your hands with cold water, then shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch (3 cm) balls, about the size of golf balls.
• In a medium saucepan, bring 1 quart (1 l) water to a boil over high heat.
• Arrange the meatballs side by side in the steamer, cover, and place on top of the saucepan. Steam until cooked through, about 5 minutes (see page 15 for best tips on steaming techniques and equipment). In a skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon sesame oil over medium-high heat and sear the meatballs for a few minutes to create a crunchy, colorful exterior. Serve in the chicken stock or vegetable stock, and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.

ASIAN CHICKEN MEATBALLS

Steps:

• Coarsely chop ginger, garlic and green onions.
• Place in bowl of food processor.
• Add water chestnuts to food processor.
• Grind until a thick paste forms.
• There will still be some small pieces of water chestnut.
• Remove paste, place in mixing bowl.
• Add sesame oil, soy sauce, broth and egg to water chestnut paste.
• Add chicken.
• Combine all ingredients until well blended.
• Heat large skillet, add enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan (to help prevent sticking).
• Using hands, or a small scoop, form a ball of meat about the size of a golf ball, place in the hot skillet.
• The meat mixture is very wet and loose, it will not hold it's shape well, so keep the balls small or they will flatten as they cook.
• Saute meatballs about 2 minutes or until browned on bottom, turn gently to an uncooked side, and continue cooking.
• Keep turning the meatballs as they cook, so that all sides are browned evenly.
• Cut a meatball open to test for doneness by verifying that it is cooked through to the center.
• Remove cooked meatballs and keep warm until all are done.
• Serve plain, or with your favorite dipping sauce.