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Meatballs make me laugh! You have to be "of a certain age" to laugh at meatballs. So I wish I didn't laugh out loud at the thought of Chicken Meatballs with Artichokes & Carrots because I hate it when I date myself.
But damnit I miss Bill Murray.
And I don't mean the middle-aged Bill Murray, who has enjoyed a career renaissance playing forlorn cool characters in meaty independent films. Nope I mean the laugh-out-loud Bill Murray. The Saturday Night Live Bill Murray. The iconic comic genius who brightened my world from 1979 to 1993 in a string of movies that Hollywood just wouldn't find funny anymore.
For those of you who don't remember 1979, it was a very good year. Sure I was struggling through an awkward adolescence. But so was Bill Murray and he was nearly 30! That certainly made a geek like me feel like the world wouldn't end. Because 1979 was a year that launched Murray's film career with the movie, Meatballs. In it Murray plays Tripper, the zany head counselor at Camp North Star. Basically, the movie revolves around the pernicious Tripper putting the moves on a curvy fellow counselor, harassing the camp's boss, and befriending a lonesome boy. There's also some shenanigans involving the teen-aged counselors in training and some spirited pranks with a neighboring, well-to-do camp. But for all of its ribald fun, Meatballs at its heart is a sweet movie that warms the heart without being disingenuous, saccharine, or just plain stupid.
Movies can't seem to do that anymore and I don't know why.
So here I am stuck at home laughing into a plate of Chicken Meatballs with Artichokes & Carrots missing Bill Murray.
- 1 large yukon gold potato
- 1 pn kosher salt
- 1 1/2 ground chicken
- 2 t thyme leaves, minced
- 2 egg yolks, separated
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 T milk
- 1/2 t sea salt
- 1 oz olive oil, plus more as needed
- 12 oz frozen artichoke hearts, thawed
- 4 carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 medium shallot, thinly sliced
- 3 T white vermouth
- 3 c chicken broth
- 2 T fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 c heavy cream
- 2 T flat leaf parsley, minced
Put the potato pieces in a saucepan, cover them completely with water, add a big pinch of salt, and set the pan over medium-high heat. Cook potato until tender, about 14 minutes. Drain and return the pieces to the hot empty saucepan they were boiled in. Lower heat to medium-low and dry the potatoes somewhat, being careful not to scorch them. Remove from heat and let cool somewhat.
Pass the potato pieces through a ricer into a large bowl. Add ground chicken, thyme, 1 egg yolk, cheese, milk and salt; blend with your hands until just combined well (do not over-mix). The mixture should be a bit wet and sticky. Which may make them a bit more difficult to work with but makes for a much better texture when cooked.
In a large cast iron or non-stick skillet, heat 1/4 cup oil over medium heat. Use an ice cream scoop about 1 1/2-inches in diameter to form balls, dropping them directly into the hot pan. Fry meatballs, in batches of 6 or 8, turning often, until well browned and nearly cooked through, about 4 minutes per batch. Add more oil between batches if needed. Transfer to paper towels with a slotted spoon.
Heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a large high-sided skillet or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add defrosted artichokes, carrots and shallot; cook, stirring frequently, for 3 minutes. Add vermouth to deglaze pan and let it reduce some. Add the broth; bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes. Carefully add meatballs and continue cooking, gently turning meatballs halfway through, until vegetables are tender and meatballs are cooked through, about 10 minutes.
In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, remaining egg yolk and cream; gently stir into pot with meatballs. Return broth to simmer and cook for 3 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley. Serve warm.
Comments
Hmmm....
never saw Meatballs, but don't even get me started about Stripes!
Cheese?
In the directions, you mention adding egg yolk, milk, etc. to the riced potatoes and ground chicken. You also mention adding cheese, but there's no cheese in the ingredients list. What kind of cheese, and how much?
Thanks!
Jemma
Thanks
I fixed it, 2 tablesppon grated Parmesan. GREG
Yeah, but did you ever see Meatballs II?
What a dog piece of poo. Then again, Murry had nothing to do with it.
My favorite Murray role was his cameo in Zombieland, he was a RIOT.
I have to try these on the grill. My sister got me a meatball grill basket for Christmas that needs to get used. Plus, I like the potato added, I did that when I tried to copy the "McRib" with some ground pork.
Of course, now I'm dating
Of course, now I'm dating MYself, but I've never seen this movie! Or heard of it. But I've now planned a super exciting Friday night trip to Blockbuster...and after that, I'll never be able to think of meatballs without laughing again either.
Great-looking meatballs!
I love the idea of using Yukon gold potatoes instead of bread in the meatballs!
Ground Chicken
You might be the only person on earth to get me to eat ground chicken. I loved Bill Murrary Sat Night live days too!
Mouthwatering!
GREG - these look so good, I am literally salivating at my computer desk. (Maybe I should eat some lunch?) Love Bill Murray of the old days - Spies Like Us, Ghostbusters, Caddyshack! xo, Dawn
So tasty!
Thanks for feeding us.
Sincerely,
The Table Set
At least I have the soup
I read this about how old Bill Murray is and then I reflected on how old I am and that I know how to laugh at meatballs too.
However, I don't think these are laughable meatballs. These are more elegant than the meatballs of the 70s and 80s.
Your meatballs look terrific,
Your meatballs look terrific, I like that you add potatoes in, and the artichokes and carrots are a great accompaniment.
I lived '79 and Bill
Wish I could reminisce about being an awakard adoloscent in '79 but I was a bit beyond adoloscent. I do adore Bill...he has a true gift to make you laugh. I will always remember him more from the early days, but then again at my age short term memory is gone. Did I say adore Bill?
Canadiana film
I totally miss that Bill Murray. That crazy character. I'm pretty sure that's a Canadian flick and a classic. Meatballs, fitting for this great recipe. Saved. To be made shortly.
I remember '79 and the 'real'
I remember '79 and the 'real' SNL but, strangely, not "Meatballs".
I seem to be seeing a lot of meatballs around the internet lately. I guess they're everyone's favorite 'go-to' meal. Your skillet looks mighty good.
meatballs and bill
Greg, I'm printing this recipe - love the artichokes and lemon you include...Yes, Bill was a riot - remember him as the crooner in the ole SNL skits?!
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