This is called Lions Head meatballs because once cooked the meatballs resemble the head of a lion, while the long pieces of cabbage resemble the mane. The perfect feast day meal for Saint Leo the Great. Leo in Latin means Lion.
Today is the feast day of Saint Leo the Great. He was Pope from 440 to 461. He is also known as the Doctor of the Church. He was of Italian decent. He was best known for meeting Aggila the Hun and persuading him to trun back from invading Italy.
H was Theoligically remembered for issuing the Tome of Leo. The name Leo in Latin means lion so this Lion Head meatball recipe would ba an apropriate name-day meal.
Lion Head Meatballs
Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef
2 ounces white wine
4 garlic cloves minced 2 spring onions chopped
2 green onion stalks
1 egg
2 tablespoons ginger grated
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon corn starch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 chicken bouillon cube
2 1/2 cups water
2 cups chinese cabbage chopped
1/4 cup dried mushrooms such as porcini or shitake
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Green onions for garnish
2 cups cooked rice
Directions:
Place the beef, wine, garlic onions, egg, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Mix to combine. I used a small ice cream scoop. I molded the mixture into a ball about the size of walnut. Make balls with all the meat. Place the meat into a large frying pan with the canola oil and cook 4-5 minutes or until lightly browned. Break up Bouillon cube and add to skillet. Pour in the water, cabbage and mushrooms into the skillet. Bring everything to a boil. Reduce the heat and cook gently for 15 minutes. Add the cornstarch to the 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry. Add to the pot and stir until the sauce thickens.
Remove from the heat, sprinkle over the green onions and serve over steamed rice.
Peace be with you,
Veronica
