Saucy Barbecue Bourbon Meatballs

Food and Prop Styling by Shiri Feldman
Photography by Felicia Perretti
Food Prep by Chef Suzie Gornish

This piquant and flavorful meatball dish literally took minutes to prepare. The addition of pastrami adds a hint of smokiness to a conventional favorite. I enjoyed it served over rice, but feel free to go with spaghetti if that feels more familiar.

SERVES 6

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (not extra lean)
• 4 oz (110 g) pastrami, finely diced
• 1 egg, beaten
• ½ cup plain bread crumbs
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp salt
• oil, for greasing pan
• 1 cup barbecue sauce of your choice
• ½ cup water
• 2 Tbsp bourbon
• chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Combine ground beef, diced pastrami, egg, bread crumbs, and seasonings in a medium-sized bowl. Mix well to combine, but don’t overmix. Once combined, form 24–30 mini meatballs, about 1¹⁄₂ inches (3.8 cm) in diameter.

Grease a 12-inch (30-cm) frying pan lightly with cooking oil. Heat the oil over medium heat and add the meatballs to the frying pan. Cook meatballs for about 5–6 minutes on each side, turning halfway through cooking time.