Serves: 6
Total Calories: 562

SALSA VERDE:
1/2 cup packed chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup , sliced blanched almonds
1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon style mustard
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon anchovy paste
1 clove garlic, peeled
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

LITTLE MEATBALLS:
2 cups fresh bread crumbs (prepared in a blender or food processor from slightly stale bread)
3 large eggs
2 tablespoons milk
8 ounces ground round steaks (15 percent lean)
8 ounces pork Italian sausage, casings removed
1/4 cup , freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
1 clove garlic, crushed through a press
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
vegetable shortening or vegetable oil for deep-frying

1. TO MAKE THE SALSA: In a blender, combine all of the ingredients except the oil. With the machine running, gradually add the oil through the cover opening until the sauce is smooth and thick. Transfer to a small bowl, cover, and let stand for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to blend. (The salsa can be prepared up to 1 day ahead, covered, and refrigerated. Serve at room temperature.)

2. Line a baking sheet with waxed paper. In a medium bowl, beat together 1/2 cup of the bread crumbs, 1 egg, and the milk. Let stand for 5 minutes. Add the ground round, sausage, cheese, onion, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper and mix with your hands until well combined. Using a heaping teaspoonful for each, form into balls and place on waxed paper. You should have about 36 bite-sized meatballs.

3. Place the remaining 1 1/2 cups bread crumbs in a deep plate. In another deep plate, whisk the remaining 2 eggs until well beaten. One at a time, dip the meatballs in the eggs, then coat with the bread crumbs, patting to make the crumbs adhere. Return to the waxed paper.

4. Line another baking sheet with paper towels. In a deep Dutch oven, melt vegetable shortening to a depth of 2 to 3 inches and heat it to 365°F. In batches, without crowding, deep-fry the meatballs until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Using a wire-mesh skimmer, transfer to the paper towels. Serve warm or at room temperature, with the salsa verde.

Nutritional Facts:

Serves: 6
Total Calories: 562
Calories from Fat: 343

More Recipes from the Fried & True: Crispy and Delicious Dishes from Appetizers to Desserts Cookbook:
Coconut Shrimp With Pineapple-Mustard Dip
Glittering Spiced Walnuts
Little Meatballs With Salsa Verde
Mozzarella Cubes On Spaghetti Sticks With Pizzaola Sauce
Parmesan Pasta Nibbles
Pork And Shrimp Balls With Sweet And Spicy Dipping Sauce
Rice Crisps With Peanut-Lime Dipping Sauce
Root Vegetable Chips With Roasted Garlic Dip
Saratoga Potato Chips
Spiced Mixture
Tostaditas With Ancho Salsa Roja