Chicken meatballs with tomato sauce and basil

Name: Chicken meatballs with tomato sauce and basil - Niculina A.
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts; 2 onions; 5 cloves of garlic; 2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs; 1 tablespoon of palm oil; salt; pepper; 1 tablespoon of milk; 2 tablespoons of mineral water; 1 large egg; 1 glass of white wine; 1 cup of homemade ketchup; 3 huge tomatoes; 1 cup of water; dried basil; fresh green basil; 3 tablespoons of oil for greasing the tray.

Meat - Chicken meatballs with tomato sauce and basil by Niculina A. - Recipia

Chicken meatballs with tomato and basil sauce - a family recipe that brings joy and warmth to every meal Preparation time: 30 minutes Baking time: 30-40 minutes Total time: 1 hour Number of servings: 4 Introduction Chicken meatballs with tomato and basil sauce are a perfect choice for a family meal. These juicy meatballs, combined with a flavorful sauce, create an explosion of flavors that will make your taste buds dance with joy. This recipe has a rich history, being appreciated in many cultures for its versatility. Today, I invite you to discover with me how to prepare these delights at home. Necessary ingredients For the meatballs: - 2 large chicken breasts (about 500 g) - 2 medium onions - 5 cloves of garlic - 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs - 1 tablespoon palm oil (or olive oil, if you prefer) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 large egg - 2 tablespoons sparkling water - 1 tablespoon milk For the sauce: - 3 large tomatoes (about 400 g) - 1 cup homemade ketchup (or store-bought ketchup, if you're short on time) - 1 glass of white wine (optional, but recommended for flavor) - 1 cup of water - Dried basil (to taste) - Fresh green basil (for serving) - 3 tablespoons of oil for greasing the tray Preparing the meatballs 1. Preparing the meat: Start by washing the chicken breast well under cold running water. Cut it into suitable pieces, then chop it using a meat grinder. This is an important step, as well-chopped meat will ensure an even and juicy texture for the meatballs. 2. Onion and garlic: Peel and finely chop the onions and garlic. You can use a food processor to save time, but make sure not to turn them into a paste; they should remain slightly chopped. 3. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the minced meat, onion, and garlic. Add the egg, sparkling water, milk, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix the composition well with your hands or a spatula until all ingredients are evenly integrated. If you want to ensure that the meatballs are properly seasoned, taste a bit of the mixture (make sure it doesn’t contain raw meat). 4. Forming the meatballs: Wet your hands with a little oil and form meatballs of the desired size, usually about the size of a golf ball. Place them on a greased tray, leaving a little space between them for even baking. Preparing the sauce 1. Tomatoes: Grate the tomatoes on a grater or finely chop them. This technique will help extract the natural juice from the tomatoes, making the sauce tastier. 2. Mixing the ingredients: In a bowl, mix the grated tomatoes with the ketchup, white wine, water, dried basil, salt, and pepper. This mixture will add a delicious flavor to your meatballs. Baking the meatballs 1. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C. This will ensure even baking. 2. Baking the meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until golden. After 20 minutes, remove the tray from the oven and pour the prepared sauce over the meatballs. Put the tray back in the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the meatballs are fully cooked. 3. Finishing the dish: Once the meatballs are ready, remove them from the oven and sprinkle fresh chopped green basil on top. This will add a touch of freshness and flavor. Serving and garnish Typically, chicken meatballs are served with creamy mashed potatoes, which perfectly absorb the delicious sauce. You can add a crunchy vegetable salad to balance the meal. Another delicious option is plain rice or a side of steamed vegetables. Suggestions and variations If you want to add a touch of originality to the recipe, you can try adding grated cheese to the meatball mixture or even herbs like dill or parsley. Instead of tomato sauce, you can experiment with yogurt-based sauces or sour cream sauces, thus bringing new flavors and textures. Nutritional benefits Chicken meatballs are an excellent source of protein, and the fresh ingredients contribute to a healthy diet. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant known for its health benefits, and basil contains essential vitamins and minerals. Frequently Asked Questions 1. Can I use turkey meat instead of chicken? Yes, you can use turkey meat, and the meatballs will have a different but equally delicious flavor. 2. What can I do with leftover mixture? If there is leftover mixture, you can form small meatballs and freeze them. When you want to consume them, you can bake them directly from the freezer. 3. How can I make the meatballs less fatty? You can choose to boil them instead of baking. Also, you can reduce the amount of oil used. Calories and nutritional information A serving of chicken meatballs with tomato sauce has about 350-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used. This can vary based on the portion size and the chosen side dish. Conclusion Chicken meatballs with tomato and basil sauce are not just a simple recipe but also an excellent way to bring the family together around the table. I hope you will try this recipe and enjoy every bite. Cooking is an art, and every recipe is an opportunity to create delicious memories with loved ones. Enjoy your meal!