Sweet and Sour Meatballs (Oriental Sweet and Sour Meatballs)

Ingredients

ORIENTAL MEATBALLS

• 1/2 lb ground beef (I use all ground beef)
• 1/2 lb ground pork
• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• 1/8-1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried ginger
• 3 teaspoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons tapioca starch or cornstarch
• 1 small onion, chopped fine (best minced or grated)
• 1/4 cup water chestnut, chopped fine (optional)

SWEET AND SOUR

• 1/3 cup white vinegar
• 3/4 cup white sugar (You may wish to use less)
• 2 3/4 ounces tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon tapioca starch or cornstarch
• 1 cup water (I use the drained juice from one 19 ounce can of pineapple chunks plus water to equal one cup)
• 1 cup pineapple chunk, drained (I use one 19 ounce can of pineapple chunks)
• 1 green pepper, cut into small squares
• 1 red pepper, cut into small squares (optional)
• 1 carrot, cut into thin slices (I use more ...about 4)

Directions

1. 1

   In large mixing bowl combine and mix: ground meat, sugar, black pepper, dry ginger, soy sauce, the tapioca or cornstarch, minced onion and(the water chestnuts if using).

2. 2

   Knead above for at least two minutes to insure proper marination, form into even sized balls.

3. 3

   Fry in oil and drain (I never fry my meatballs, I put them on a cookie sheet and bake at 350 for about twenty minutes or until done.).

4. 4

   Meanwhile make the Sweet and Sour Sauce: in sauce pot on medium heat whisk together vinegar, sugar, tomato paste, the tapioca starch or cornstarch, the cup of water (or water/pineapple juice mix) Bring to boil stirring while cooking. (I find using a whisk to stir works very well).

5. 5

   When mixture reaches boiling point add the meatballs and heat through.

6. 6

   Add the carrots, peppers and pineapple chunks and cook until vegetables are 'just done'. Do not overcook.

7. 7

   NOTE: This can be made ahead and refrigerated. It can then be quickly reheated in the microwave and kept hot in a Crockpot. This freezes well.

8. 8

   I also find cooking the carrots separately and then adding, assures they don't get overcooked.