Sweet and Sour Meatballs (Suan T'ien Niu Jou Po Lo La Tzu)

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons diced onion
• 1 pinch ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
• 6 tablespoons water
• 0.5 cups granulated sugar
• 4 slices fresh pineapple , cut into pieces
• 1 large green bell pepper , cut into thin strips
• ¼ carrot , thinly sliced
• ⅓ onion , cut into wedges and separated

Instructions

1. 1

   In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, cornstarch, salt, diced onion and pepper. Form into 1-inch meatballs; you'll get about 20 total.

2. 2

   In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the meatballs; drain fat and set aside.

3. 3

   Heat the oil in a large saucepan over low heat. Pour in the pineapple juice and simmer for a few minutes.

4. 4

   In a small bowl, combine the 3 tablespoons of cornstarch, soy sauce, vinegar and water. Stir until smooth and pour into the pineapple juice. Add the sugar and simmer until thickened, stirring constantly.

5. 5

   Place the meatballs, pineapple pieces, green pepper, carrot and onion into the sauce mixture. Heat thoroughly.