Meatballs with Tomato Sauce

Name: Meatballs with Tomato Sauce - Dafina G.
Ingredients: 300 g chicken breast; one egg; grated cheese (Grana; Parmigiano; Pecorino); fresh parsley; grated dry bread (pan grattato); salt; pepper; olive oil; tomato juice; one bay leaf; bread crumb (2 slices); oregano; one clove of garlic

Diverse - Meatballs with Tomato Sauce by Dafina G. - Recipia

To prepare these delicious baked meatballs, we will start by ensuring we have all the ingredients at hand. We will use ground meat, preferably pork or beef, but the combination of both can add an even richer flavor. In a large bowl, we will add the ground meat, bread soaked in water or milk, grated cheese (telemea or cheese), the egg, salt, pepper, crushed garlic, and finely chopped parsley. This is where you can also add some extra spices, such as paprika or cumin, depending on your personal preferences. We mix all the ingredients well with our hands until the mixture becomes homogeneous. It is important not to overwork the mixture, so the meatballs remain fluffy. We form small balls from the obtained mixture, being careful to make them uniform in size so they cook evenly. In a deep tray, we will pour a little olive oil, which will help cook the meatballs evenly and give a pleasant taste. We prepare the tomato sauce by adding a generous layer of tomato juice to the bottom of the tray. We add salt to taste, a bay leaf, a cup of water, and oregano, mixing everything well to ensure the flavors combine. We carefully place the meatballs in the tray on this layer of sauce, and then add another layer of tomato juice over the meatballs. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat well during baking. For an extra crunch, we can roll the meatballs in breadcrumbs before placing them in the tray. This step will add a pleasant texture and make the meatballs even more appetizing. We cover the tray with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for about 35-40 minutes. After 15 minutes, we remove the foil to allow the meatballs to brown nicely. If you prefer a richer sauce, feel free to add more tomato juice, so the dish is even more flavorful. In the end, you will have juicy meatballs, full of flavors, perfectly cooked, which pair wonderfully with a side of mashed potatoes or a fresh salad. Enjoy your meal!