Tuna meatballs with yogurt sauce

Tuna meatballs with yogurt sauce: a simple and delicious recipe for unforgettable moments

Total time: 45 minutes
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20-30 minutes
Number of servings: 4 servings

Welcome to the fascinating world of cooking! Today, I will teach you how to prepare tuna meatballs with yogurt sauce, a simple and delicious dish perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, as well as for moments when you want to impress your guests. These meatballs are not only tasty but also nutritious, and the yogurt sauce adds a refreshing and flavorful touch. Let's get started!

Necessary ingredients:

For the meatballs:
- 3 cans of tuna in its own juice
- 1 medium red onion
- 2 eggs
- 4-5 sprigs of fresh parsley
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 3 tablespoons of breadcrumbs (or more, as needed)
- A pinch of pepper
- A little breadcrumbs for rolling the meatballs

For the sauce:
- 1 head of garlic
- A pinch of salt
- A pinch of pepper
- 150 g creamy yogurt

Preparing the meatballs:

1. Draining the tuna: Start by opening the cans of tuna. Transfer the contents to a sieve to drain well. This is an essential step, as the liquid can make the meatballs too wet.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the drained tuna. Finely chop the red onion (or you can grate it for a finer texture) and add it to the tuna. Continue with the two eggs, pepper, lemon zest and juice, and finely chopped parsley. Mix all the ingredients well until you get a homogeneous mixture.

3. Adding breadcrumbs: Now, gradually add a tablespoon of breadcrumbs, mixing well after each addition. The goal is to obtain a mixture that is not too hard but firm enough to form the meatballs. I used 3 tablespoons, but you may need more or less depending on the moisture of the mixture.

4. Forming the meatballs: With wet hands (this will help prevent the mixture from sticking), form meatballs the size of a ping-pong ball. Roll them lightly in breadcrumbs, then place them in muffin tins or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

5. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Bake the meatballs for 15-20 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown on the surface. Make sure to turn them halfway through the baking time for even browning.

Preparing the sauce:

6. Preparing the yogurt sauce: Meanwhile, peel the head of garlic and crush it well, sprinkling a little salt over it. This will help extract the flavors. Then add a pinch of pepper and the yogurt. Mix well until you obtain a creamy and tasty sauce.

Serving:

7. Serving the meatballs: The tuna meatballs can be served warm or cold, alongside the prepared yogurt sauce. This dish is perfect to be served with a fresh salad or even with grilled vegetables. A personal suggestion would be to add a few slices of fresh lemon to enhance the flavor.

Practical tips:

- Ingredient substitutions: If you don't have breadcrumbs on hand, you can use flour or bread soaked in milk and well drained. However, breadcrumbs give a fluffier texture to the meatballs due to the dry yeast content.
- Various variations: You can add chopped olives, bell peppers, or even feta cheese to the meatball mixture for a different and interesting taste.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: These meatballs are rich in protein due to the tuna and eggs, and the yogurt adds a healthy dose of probiotics. A serving of meatballs with yogurt sauce has approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of breadcrumbs used.
- Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use fresh tuna? Yes, but make sure to cook it sufficiently to make it safe for consumption.
- How can I store the meatballs? They can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Reheat them in the oven to regain their crispy texture.

These tuna meatballs with yogurt sauce are not only a quick recipe but also an excellent way to include fish in your diet, providing you with essential nutrients and a unique taste. I invite you to try them and share your impressions! Cooking is an art, and every recipe is an opportunity to create delicious memories. Enjoy your meal!