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Photo Credit: Elizabeth Newman

Mortadella Meatballs With Pistachio Pesto

15 MINPrep Time
20 MINCook Time
16Servings
(7)
by Giada De Laurentiis
Beginner
Photo Credit: Elizabeth Newman
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These meatballs were inspired by one of my all-time favorite dishes in Rome - the Mortadella Pistachio Meatballs at Dilla. Every time I'm in Rome, I head back and order the same meatballs. They're that good.

Lucky for me, when we were filming Bobby and Giada In Italy, I had the honor to learn how to actually make them - and you can watch it any time on Discovery+!

I had to try my hand at making a similar recipe. Mortadella gives these meatballs tons of flavor, and makes them extra succulent. The creamy pistachio pesto sauce is sweet, creamy and herbaceous - the perfect counterpart.

I like to serve these with something light, like a bed of arugula to brighten it all up. They're amazing served with pasta, too - or even in these little sliders!

Pistachio Mortadella Meatballs
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Mortadella Meatballs with Pistachio Pesto

Category

Appetizer Main Course

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Image of Mortadella Meatballs with Pistachio Pesto

Ingredients

    For The Meatballs:

  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
  • 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 large egg (beaten)
  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 1/2 pound mortadella (diced small)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • For The Sauce:

  • 1 cup raw shelled pistachios
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1/2 cup fresh Italian parsley leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
  • Arugula (for serving, optional)
  • Chopped pistachios for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. For the meatballs: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
  2. Combine the cheese, breadcrumbs, milk, oregano, lemon zest, salt and egg in a medium bowl. Add the pork and mortadella and gently fold the mixture until fully and evenly combined.
  3. Drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil on a small, rimmed baking sheet. Scoop the mixture into 16-18 golf-ball sized balls and roll until smooth. Place on the baking sheet. Drizzle with the remaining tablespoon olive oil and bake, 20 minutes.
  4. For the sauce: Meanwhile, pulse the pistachios in a food processor until coarsely chopped. Add the basil, parsley and salt and pulse to combine. And the olive oil and ½ - 1 cup cold water and puree until the pesto is a smooth, creamy texture. Add the cheese and pulse to combine.
  5. Divide the arugula among 4 to 5 plates and top with 3 to 4 meatballs each. Spoon the pesto over the meatballs. Serve with chopped pistachios if desired.

Nutrition

Nutrition

per serving
Calories
293
Amount/Serving % Daily Value
Carbs
4 grams
Protein
13 grams
Fat
25 grams
Saturated Fat
7 grams
Cholesterol
47 milligrams
Sodium
502 milligrams
Fiber
1 grams
Sugar
1 grams

10 comments

  • Author's avatar image
    Erin - Sep 13

    Really good flavor although I would go 1/4lb on the mortadella. Also, agree, dress the arugula with lemon and oil otherwise its dry. Pesto is outstanding and needs nothing!

  • Author's avatar image
    Anne Boubion - Jun 09

    LOVED the show! Super cute chemistry. This are delish. A bit rich with the mortadella. Ok, Maybe I used too much. I’m not too good with recipes and don’t really measure. I’ll make again for sure.

  • Author's avatar image
    Joe Kasper - Jun 09
    ★★★★★
    ★★★★★

    So unless I’m blind, this recipe isn’t close to anything done with the chef on the actual show. I was so hoping it would be. I guess I’ll have to make up my own

  • Author's avatar image
    Maureen Faraci - Jun 09
    ★★★★★
    ★★★★★

    I’ve made this recipe three times now…I usually use combo I veal/pork/beef and I rough chop the mortadella used the flat leaf parsley in with the arugula and dressed it with lemon juice and pistachio oil It’s delicious and a great dish for entertaining because it looks much fussier than it is

  • Author's avatar image
    Ellen North - Jun 09
    ★★★★★
    ★★★★★

    amazing recipe!! we ordered these at Dilla after seeing them on the episode of Bobby and Giada in Italy – outstanding – and will be making these at home in Alabama

  • Author's avatar image
    Jon Purtell - Jun 09
    ★★★★★
    ★★★★★

    This was delicious. I would add garlic to the pesto and to the meatballs, however. And, The Aguila was slightly dry so I'd dress the Aguila slightly. Maybe a lite dressing of lemon and olive oil.

  • Author's avatar image
    Yvonne Barcewski - Jun 09

    Best recipe I've made in a long time. Didn't have the arugula so I served this over crunchy shredded leaf lettuce and it was outstanding. I'm single; so I halved the recipe. I have leftovers for tomorrow. This will also become a recipe for guests.

  • Author's avatar image
    Robin Morrell - Jun 09
    ★★★★★
    ★★★★★

    Delicious! Moist and tasty meatballs and the pesto sauce adds an element of elegance. Stately for entertaining and beloved for family dinner.

  • Author's avatar image
    Jennifer Troisi - Jun 09
    ★★★★★
    ★★★★★

    This was amazing. I actually had everything I needed the day I read the recipe. The pesto just topped it off. Just another great recipe from Giada

  • Author's avatar image
    Kathy Urbano - Jun 09
    ★★★★★
    ★★★★★

    Wow when I saw this recipe I had to make it that day! My Grandfather who was born in Italy used to make a similar meatball. These were fantastic…can't wait to make these again. The flavor was so magnificent and they were actually very easy to make. Great heated up the next day too. Thank you!

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