Best Easy Pallotte Cace e Ove Recipe

Cheese and egg balls simmered in tomato sauce are Abruzzo's answer to meatless comfort food. This vegetarian mediterranean dish is high protein and works beautifully for family dinners on a budget.

Cook 50 min Difficulty NORMAL 325 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean #high protein
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • stale country bread, crusts removed and torn 2 cups
  • whole milk ricotta cheese 3 oz
  • shredded pecorino romano cheese 1 cup
  • large eggs 3 pieces
  • all-purpose flour 2 tbsp
  • olive oil 3 tbsp
Seasonings/Sauce
  • garlic clove, minced 1 cloves
  • freshly chopped parsley 2 tbsp
  • crushed red pepper flakes 0.25 tsp
  • kosher salt 0.75 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
  • canned crushed tomatoes 2 cups
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 23 g 28%
Protein 19 g 23%
Fat 17 g 49%
Serving size 220g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    In a large bowl, soak the torn bread pieces in 1/2 cup water for 5 minutes until fully softened, then squeeze out excess moisture.

  2. 2

    Add ricotta, pecorino romano, eggs, flour, parsley, 1/2 tsp salt, and black pepper to the bread mixture; stir thoroughly until you have a sticky, cohesive dough.

  3. 3

    With wet hands, form 12–14 golf-ball size balls. Arrange them on a parchment-lined tray. Chill 10 minutes to help them hold shape.

  4. 4

    Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Fry the balls in batches, turning gently, for 5–7 minutes, until golden brown on all sides. Drain on paper towels.

  5. 5

    In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed, sauté garlic and red pepper flakes over medium-low heat just until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in crushed tomatoes and remaining salt; simmer uncovered for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  6. 6

    Nestle the fried balls into the simmering sauce, spoon sauce over to coat, cover partially, and simmer gently on low for 8 minutes. Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley and pecorino, if desired.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What are the key ingredients that give Pallotte Cace e Ove its unique flavor and texture?
The defining ingredients are stale country bread, ricotta, and pecorino romano cheeses, combined with eggs. The bread creates a tender, rustic texture in the balls, while the cheeses add savory richness and depth of flavor. Simmering them in a garlicky tomato sauce brings the dish together with both taste and comfort.
Q. How should I control heat for perfect cheese and egg balls?
When frying the balls, maintain a medium heat to get a golden crust without burning or drying out the interior. After adding to the tomato sauce, keep the heat low and cover the pan partially. Gentle simmering allows the balls to soak up flavor without breaking apart.
Q. How do I make sure the balls don’t fall apart during cooking?
Chilling the shaped balls for at least 10 minutes before frying helps them stay firm. Avoid overcrowding when frying and handle with care using a spatula. The flour and squeezed bread in the mixture help bind the dough; ensure everything is thoroughly mixed for best results.
Q. How many calories and protein does each serving provide?
Each 220g serving of this dish contains about 325 kcal, 19g of protein, 23g of carbohydrates, and 17g of fat. Protein makes up 23% of total calories, making it a substantial and satisfying vegetarian option.
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