BAKED CHICKEN MEATBALLS WITH PEPERONATA

BAKED CHICKEN MEATBALLS WITH PEPERONATA image

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 19

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For peperonata
3 red bell peppers, cut into strips
1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 1/2 tablespoons drained capers
1 teaspoon red-wine vinegar
1/8 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes
For meatballs
3 slices Italian bread, torn into pieces (1 cup)
1/3 cup milk
3 oz sliced pancetta, finely chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 small garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 large egg
1 lb ground chicken
3 tablespoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
1 tablespoon tomato paste
Accompaniment:
garlic bread made from remainder of Italian loaf

Steps:

Make peperonata: Preheat oven to 400°F with racks in upper and lower thirds. Toss bell peppers with 1 Tbsp oil, then roast in a 4-sided sheet pan in lower third of oven, stirring occasionally, until tender and browned, about 35 minutes. Stir together capers, vinegar, red pepper flakes, and remaining 1/2 Tbsp oil in a medium bowl and set aside. Make meatballs while peppers roast: Soak bread in milk in a small bowl until softened, about 4 minutes. Cook pancetta, onion, and garlic in 1 Tbsp oil with 1/2 tsp each of salt and pepper in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat until onion is softened, about 6 minutes. Cool slightly. Squeeze bread to remove excess milk, then discard milk. Lightly beat egg in a large bowl, then combine with chicken, pancetta mixture, bread, and parsley. Form 12 meatballs and arrange in another 4-sided sheet pan. Stir together tomato paste and remaining Tbsp oil and brush over meatballs