Meatballs in tomato sauce

Name: Meatballs in tomato sauce - Fabiana C.
Ingredients: Meatballs 700 g ground chicken 1 onion 1 cup rice salt pepper thyme 1 egg waterTomato sauce 2 onions 3 red peppers 1 can of tomatoes 6 cloves of garlic salt p

Meat - Meatballs in tomato sauce by Fabiana C. - Recipia

Meatballs in tomato sauce: A comforting delicacy that surely brings back pleasant childhood memories. This simple yet flavorful recipe is perfect for a family meal or to impress friends. Get ready to transform ground chicken and fresh vegetables into something truly special! Preparation time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 40 minutes Total time: 60 minutes Servings: 4 Ingredients For the meatballs: - 700 g ground chicken - 1 large onion, finely chopped - 1 cup (about 100 g) rice - Salt, to taste - Pepper, to taste - Thyme, to taste - 1 egg, for binding - Water, as needed For the tomato sauce: - 2 large onions, chopped - 3 red bell peppers, finely chopped - 1 can of tomatoes (about 400 g) - 6 cloves of garlic, minced - Salt, to taste - Pepper, to taste - Fresh or dried basil, for flavor - Olive oil, for sautéing Preparing the meatballs 1. Preparing the mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken with the chopped onion, rice, salt, pepper, thyme, and egg. Mix well with your hands to obtain a homogeneous and slightly sticky mixture. Use a wet hand to form evenly sized meatballs so they cook uniformly. 2. Boiling the meatballs: Fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring the water to a boil. When the water starts boiling, carefully add the meatballs and boil them until they rise to the surface. This indicates they are cooked. Remove them with a spatula and set aside in a dish. Preparing the tomato sauce 3. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large skillet, add a little olive oil and sauté the chopped onion over medium heat until it becomes golden and translucent. It is essential not to burn it, as this will affect the final taste of the sauce. 4. Adding the bell peppers: Once the onion has softened, add the chopped bell peppers. Let them sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft. 5. Incorporating the tomatoes: Add the previously crushed can of tomatoes to the skillet. Mix well to combine the ingredients. Season with salt, pepper, and basil to taste. Let the sauce simmer over low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. 6. Finalizing the dish: Add the meatballs to the tomato sauce and enough water to cover the ingredients. Allow everything to simmer over low heat, covered, for about 20 minutes, until the sauce thickens and the flavors combine. Finally, add the minced garlic and let it cook for another 2 minutes. Serving The meatballs in tomato sauce are served hot, alongside a portion of polenta, mashed potatoes, or pasta. Add a few fresh basil leaves on top for a nice appearance and an extra layer of flavor. This recipe is also perfect for reheating the next day, as the flavors intensify and become even more delicious. Tips and tricks - Meat variation: You can experiment with different types of ground meat, such as pork or beef, for a different taste. - Adding vegetables: If you want to make the recipe healthier, add vegetables like grated carrots or zucchini to the meatball mixture. - Spices: Feel free to add extra spices, such as smoked paprika or chili, if you want to give the sauce a spicy kick. - Bake in the oven: A delicious alternative is to bake the meatballs in the tomato sauce in the oven. Transfer everything to a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes at 180°C. Nutritional benefits These meatballs are not only tasty but also nutritious. Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, while the tomato sauce provides beneficial antioxidants for health. The rice adds complex carbohydrates, and the vegetables contribute essential vitamins and minerals. Frequently asked questions - Can I use turkey meat? Yes, turkey meat is a leaner and just as delicious alternative! - What do I do if the sauce is too thick? If the sauce thickens too much, add a few tablespoons of water or broth to thin it out. - Is this recipe suitable for freezing? Absolutely! You can freeze the meatballs in sauce to enjoy later. Just make sure to store them in airtight containers. Meatballs in tomato sauce are a perfect example of comfort food, with a rich flavor and pleasant texture that will make you feel at home. Try this recipe and turn every meal into a special moment!

Meatballs in tomato sauce

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