Cornstarch in Meatballs?

[Trixxee]

I think I'm going to make the "Spiced Meatballs in Fragrant Tomato Sauce with Eggplant, Zucchini and Cilantro Gremolata tonight.

For the meatballs you add 2 Tbsp. of cornstarch to the meat mixture. Has anyone ever heard of adding cornstarch to meatballs? I never have!

[esgunn]

Usually it is cheese and or egg to bind. Never heard of the cornstarch. Is there any other binder? What issue is the recipe in?

[Trixxee]

Issue 73 - February 2009.

There is an egg. And it's for 1 pound of ground meat (either pork, chicken, turkey or lean beef).

[chef_Tab]

I have never heard of adding cornstarch to meatballs either. 2T seems like a lot too. Sorry, I am of no help here!

[Trixxee]

I think I'll just skip it. I'm scared.

[farnfam]

Trix, skipping it is probbly a good idea, no family recipe I've ever done had cornstarch in it. Is there breadcrumb as part of the recipe? If not, it may be it's supposed to do the job of the breadcrumb, but it sounds yucky to me. That's just my humble Italian opinion.

[Trixxee]

No breadcrumbs. Just the meat, grated onion, egg, S&P, cumin, coriander, allspice, red pepper flakes. I think I will add some breadcrumbs though.

[esgunn]

Or Panko! Makes it just a little lighter.

[chef_Tab]

My brain is shot these days, but does anyone remember a review dinner with some sort of spiced meatballs that were cooked on skewers? I remember some people even posted pictures. I participated and loved those meatballs, but can't remember the name of the recipe, or which issue/book. It might have been someone's birthday dinner. Now I am craving them.....must have them.

[cjs]

I've used cornstarch in meatballs - Lion Head meatballs call for it and some of the other Asian recipes. I would use it if I were you.