Haitian-style Meatballs

Ingredients

• 4 white bread slices
• 1 cup milk
• 1 pound freshly ground lean beef
• 2 slices smoked ham or bacon, minced
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 garlic clove, crushed in garlic press
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• ½ cup flour
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• fat for frying, heated to 365°F

Directions

1. Soak bread in milk 5 minutes, then mash and mix with ground beef, minced ham, salt, pepper, garlic, and tomato paste.
2. Roll into walnut-sized balls, coat with flour and then with cheese.
3. Fry in heated fat until golden brown.
4. Drain on absorbent paper.
5. Serve hot with tomato sauce as a dip.