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    Haitian Food » Haitian Meatballs

    Haitian Meatballs

    Posted On December 11, 2022 By Mirlene Last updated February 14, 2023 11 Comments

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    Haitian meatballs Pinterest Pin

    These Haitian meatballs are seriously the best! Known as Boulèt or boulette, they are seasoned to perfection with a distinct spiciness. To finish off, they are simmered in a heavenly tomato sauce to serve with your favorite Haitian Rice dish. 

    Haitian Meatballs in sauce topped with fresh parsley

    This Haitian meatball recipe will soon be your favorite weeknight dinner side dish.

    They are seasoned with our homemade Haitian Epis and they are molded with soaked bread so they can retain their moisture, fried then simmered in a delicious quick Sauce Tomate or Sos Ti-Malice.

    Boulèt – Traditional Haitian Side Dish!

    Any Haitian food lover will have a lenthy list of Haitian dishes to try, and boulet will most certainly be on top of the list. 

    The meatballs are often prepared with ground beef but ground turkey can also be used. In addition to the meat, aromatic herbs such as parsley and thyme are often included. 

    In our recipes, these ingredients are included in the Haitian Epis. In addition, it is spiced with additional garlic, dried parsley, and salt to further enhance the flavor. 

    How To Make Haitian Meatballs (Boulet / Boulette)

    You’ll love how easy and simple it is to make these Haitian meatballs. They first deep fried then simmered in a tomato sauce.  

    Fried Haitian meatballs

    The full recipe with the exact measurements is listed below in the recipe card. For now, here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe with ease. 

    • Ground meat – we used 93% lean and 7% fat
    • Large Eggs – beaten – best to use room temperature eggs. Used as a combining agent.
    • Haitian Epis
    • Minced garlic cloves (dry or fresh)
    • Parsley (dry or fresh)
    • Fresh bread – the bread will not only provide substance to the meat but will also help it to retain moisture. Bread and rice are common methods used in Haiti to make meatballs.  
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • Diced onions
    • All-purpose flour for coating
    • Oil for frying; canola or vegetable oil. 

    Optional additional ingredients: 

    Bell peppers- Mixed bell peppers are often used and provides a little sweetness to the meat. Since it is already added in the Epis, this is optional. 

    Scotch Bonnet or Habanero Peppers: To add a small amount of heat to the meatballs, add about 1 teaspoon chopped habanero or scotch bonnet pepper to the mixture. 

    Cooking Method

    Meatballs

    Combine the meat and the ingredients (minus the oil for frying) together in a large bowl. 

    Using your desired cookie scoop size, scoop the meat mixture and place it on the palm of your hands to roll the meat in a circular motion to shape into a ball. 

    Step-by-step guide to make meatballs

    Then coat the meat with all-purpose flour on all sides. Set aside and repeat the steps until all the meatballs are coated. 

    Heat the oil to 350 degrees but no more than 400 degrees. Carefully add 5 to 7 meatballs at a time. Cook for 6 minutes per side or until golden brown and cook through. 

    tongs holding meatballs

    Place the meatballs in a paper toweled plate and repeat the process until all the meatballs are cooked. 

    Haitian style meatballs

    Haitian Sos Tomat (Haitian Tomato Sauce)

    These meatballs are simmered in a delicious rich tomato sauce. The sauce is perfect when serving your Haitian meatballs with rice.

    Over medium – low heat, add the diced onions. Cook for about 30 to 45 seconds then add the Haitian Epis. Stir well then add 1 tablespoon table paste.

    Haitian Sos Tomat

    Next, add in the lemon juice to deglaze then add the minced dried or fresh garlic and the water. Stir well to combined and reduce the heat to low.

    Meatballs in sauce. Pouring sauce over meatballs

    Add in the meatballs followed by fresh or dried parsley and additional peppers (dried red pepper flakes, Scotch Bonnet peppers or Habanero Peppers).

    Stir well to combine and allow to simmer for an additional 5 to 8 minutes.

    How To Air Fry Your Haitian Boulette?

    In a large bowl mix all the ingredients together. 

    Then roll the meat in the all-purpose flour and place the meatballs in the air fryer basket. Spray with olive oil. Air fry for 15 minutes on 400 degrees, flipping in between cooking to allow all sides to cook. Spray the meat with oil between each flip. 

    cooked air fryer Haitian meatballs

    Essential Sides to Serve with This Dish 

    These meatballs are served with Haitian sauce (see recipe card below) to develop a richer flavor. You can also serve them with Haitian Sos Pwa Nwa (bean puree) and white rice. 

    Haitian Boulette in white plate

    These meatballs are eaten with red beans and rice or regular white rice. 

    There are different recipes for these meatballs, depending on the cuisine – it ranges from vegetable dumplings to fish balls. On top of everything, the meatballs are economical to make. 

    Without adding them in the sauce, they serve well with noodles or spaghetti. 

    They pair well with fresh vegetables like this sauteed bok choy, air fryer carrots, roasted vegetables in air fryer, this watercress salad, and bannann peze (fried plantains).

    To further enhance the flavor of these Haitian Meatballs, although not commonly serve together, consider serving them with fresh herbs such as fresh parsley leaves, mint, cilantro and you can also serve them with bean sprout.

    Delicious Haitian meatballs in sos tomat

    Pro Tips to Consider 

    Many people add bread, eggs, and onions, which increases the amount of meat. These meatballs are cooked in frying oil, but many people bread them with all-purpose flour before frying. 

    To add heat, add about 1 teaspoon chopped scotch bonnet or habanero peppers.

    Ideally, you should prepare the Haitian meatballs in advance. For this purpose, once you’ve soaked and mushed the bread, and when it’s added to the meatballs, it will add a lot of softness to the meatballs. 

    Consider adding about 2 teaspoon distilled vinegar. Many people object to the idea of vinegar but it adds slight acidity to the meatballs, which helps balance the fatty part of the meatballs.  Again, this is completely optional.

    Vinegar is already added to the epis. lightly wet your hand when rolling the meat into a ball, this will prevent the meat from sticking to your hands. 

    Add more water if the tomato sauce is too thick for your liking.

    Delicious Haitian meatballs in sos tomat

    How To Keep Your Meatballs from Breaking Part?

    Many beginners complain about the meatballs breaking apart, and to help you eliminate such possibilities, consider these tips;

    • Always purchase high-quality and premium meat to make the meatballs. Ideally, you should use freshly ground meat, and for that, you can visit the local butcher.
    • If possible, try to use a mixture of beef and turkey as it adds a depth of flavor. 
    • Always mix your meat with smashed bread. This will soften the meat and as well as keep it moist. If you must use the breadcrumbs before frying the meatballs, it’s recommended that you use homemade breadcrumbs because the store-bought breadcrumbs aren’t crispy enough. To make breadcrumbs at home, heat the bread slices until they are light brown and ground them in a food processor.
    • Always be aggressive while seasoning because herbs and spices will flavor the meat. Keep in mind that using less seasoning and salt will only lead to a bland flavor.
    • Always use a frying pan or a skillet to fry the meatballs as it helps achieve the right level of brownness.
    • Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for enhanced flavor.  

    After trying these Haitian meatballs, consider trying these slow cooker meatballs and these Swedish meatballs next.

    More Haitian Food Recipes You’ll Love

    Labouyi Bannann (Plantain Porridge)

    Watercress Salad

    Haitian Tablet

    Tasso Cabrit

    Haitian Fritay

    Poulet Aux Noix 

    Haitian Bouillon 

    Haitian Tasso

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    Also, we would appreciate if could give it a star rating below and don’t forget to follow us on YouTube to see all our latest videos!

    Haitian boulet in sos tomat

    Haitian Meatballs Recipe

    Savory Thoughts
    Learn to make the best Haitian Meatballs Recipe. Paired with a homemade Haitian tomato sauce, these meatballs are ready to be served in minutes.
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 26 minutes mins
    Total Time 36 minutes mins
    Course Appetizer, Dinner, Lunch
    Cuisine Caribbean, Haitian
    Servings 8 Servings
    Calories 273 kcal

    Equipment

    • Non-stick Skillet
    • Sauce Pan

    Ingredients
      

    Haitian Meatballs

    • 2 lbs. Ground Meat; We used 93% Lean and 7% Fat
    • ⅓ Cup Diced Onion
    • 2 Large Eggs; Beaten
    • ¼ cup Haitian Epis
    • 3 Garlic Cloves; Minced (or 1 ½ tsp. dried minced garlic)
    • 1 tablespoon Fresh Chopped Parsley; Or 2 Tbsp. Dried Parsley
    • 2 Slices Bread
    • ⅓ Cup Water To Mix With The Bread
    • 1 tsp. Kosher Salt
    • ½ Tsp. Black Pepper
    • Olive Oil Spray
    • ½ Cup All-Purpose Flour
    • 1 ½ Cup Oil For Frying; We used Canola Oil

    Tomato Paste Sauce

    • 2 tbsp. Olive Oil
    • ⅓ cup Onions; Diced
    • 1 Tbsp. Tomato Paste
    • 3 Tbsp. Haitian Epis
    • Juice From 1 Lemon
    • 1 cup Water; More if needed
    • 2 Chopped Garlic Cloves; Or 1 Tsp. Dried Minced Garlic
    • 1 Tbsp. Chopped Fresh Parsley; Or 2 tsp. parsley flakes
    • Salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions
     

    Haitian Meatballs

    • Combine the meat and the ingredients (minus the oil for frying) together in a large bowl. 
      Using your desired cookie scoop size, scoop the meat mixture and place it on the palm of your hands to roll the meat in a circular motion to shape into a ball. 
      Then coat the meat with all-purpose flour on all sides. Set aside and repeat the steps until all the meatballs are coated. 
      Step-by-step guide to make meatballs
    • Heat the oil to 350 degrees but no more than 400 degrees. Carefully add 5 to 7 meatballs at a time. Cook for 6 minutes per side or until golden brown and cook through. 
      Place the meatballs in a paper toweled plate and repeat the process until all the meatballs are cooked. 
      Air Fryer Version:
      Mix the meat and the remaining ingredients together in a large bowl.Roll the meatball into desired size.Place the meatballs in the basket.
      Spray with olive oil spray.Air fry for 15 minutes on 400 degrees, flipping in between cooking to allow all sides to cook.
      tongs holding meatballs

    Tomato Paste Sauce

    • Over medium – low heat, add the diced onions. Cook for about 30 to 45 seconds then add the Haitian Epis. Stir well then add 1 tablespoon table paste.
      Haitian Sos Tomat
    • Next, add in the lemon juice to deglaze then add the minced dried or fresh garlic and the water. Stir well to combined and reduce the heat to low. 
      Add in the meatballs followed by fresh or dried parsley and additional peppers (dried red pepper flakes, Scotch Bonnet peppers or Habanero Peppers).
      Stir well to combine and allow to simmer for an additional 5 to 8 minutes. 
      Meatballs in sauce. Pouring sauce over meatballs

    Video

    Notes

    • Many people add bread, eggs, and onions, which increases the amount of meat. These meatballs are cooked in frying oil, but many people bread them with all-purpose flour before frying. 
    • To add heat, add about 1 teaspoon chopped scotch bonnet or habanero peppers.
    • Ideally, you should prepare the Haitian meatballs in advance. For this purpose, once you’ve soaked and mushed the bread, and when it’s added to the meatballs, it will add a lot of softness to the meatballs. 
    • Consider adding about 2 teaspoon distilled vinegar. Many people object to the idea of vinegar but it adds slight acidity to the meatballs, which helps balance the fatty part of the meatballs.  Again, this is completely optional.
    • Vinegar is already added to the epis. lightly wet your hand when rolling the meat into a ball, this will prevent the meat from sticking to your hands. 
    • Add more water if the tomato sauce is too thick for your liking.
     
    **** When printing the recipe, please unselect the camera so that the pictures are NOT printed with the recipe (if preferred).
     
    Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. See our full Privacy Policy. We may receive compensation by clicking on the links and or making a purchase.
     
    ***Calories are estimated per serving***

    Nutrition

    Serving: 8ServingsCalories: 273kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 21gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 107mgSodium: 465mgPotassium: 153mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 7mgIron: 17mg
    Making this recipe?Mention @MSavoryThoughts or tag #SavoryThoughts!
    Tried this recipe?Mention @SavoryThoughts or tag #SavoryThoughts!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jessica

      March 26, 2022 at 10:47 pm

      5 stars
      5 stars! This recipe was soooo good! I felt Like a hood Haitian wife tonight! (I’m American and my husband is Haitian! 🤣) thank you so much for this! I have to follow your recipes.

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        March 30, 2022 at 8:09 pm

        hahahahaha Thank you, Jessica! lol

        Reply
    2. sapana

      January 28, 2020 at 9:01 pm

      5 stars
      These were amazing — loved the tomato sauce to dip them in!

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        January 31, 2020 at 11:07 am

        Thank you, Sapana.

        Reply
    3. Val Rath

      January 28, 2020 at 8:47 pm

      Oh boy! Does that look good! I have a meatball obsession. I don’t have an air fryer (yet) but I’ve been kind of thinking about getting one.

      Reply
    4. Cate

      January 28, 2020 at 8:20 pm

      This sounds like such a yummy recipe! A great recipe to make a bunch of and freeze for later, also gorgeous photos!

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        January 31, 2020 at 11:07 am

        Thank you, Cate 🙂

        Reply
    5. Emily

      January 28, 2020 at 8:12 pm

      5 stars
      These Haitian meatballs have such amazing flavor and I love that you can make them in an air fryer!

      Reply
    6. Deanne

      January 28, 2020 at 7:44 pm

      5 stars
      Yum! Such a fun way to mix up meatballs!

      Reply
      • Iva Briggs

        August 15, 2020 at 12:31 pm

        Hi. What temperature on the air fryer please?!

        Reply
        • Mirlene

          August 17, 2020 at 11:59 am

          Hello. Air fry on 400 degrees.

          Reply

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