Marinated meatballs

Marinated Meatballs – a recipe with memories and delicious flavors

Marinated meatballs, this simple and savory dish, takes us back to the warm meals of childhood, where the aroma of tender meat and rich sauce embraced our souls. They are an excellent choice for a family dinner or a quick lunch, but also a fantastic way to bring a touch of nostalgia to our table. I invite you to discover this recipe with me that revives memories and brings joy in every bite.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients for meatballs:
- 500 g minced pork (can be mixed with beef for a richer taste)
- 3 slices of bread soaked in milk or one large potato (for a healthier option)
- 1 small head of garlic (for its unmistakable aroma)
- 1 small onion (for its natural sweetness)
- 1 egg (the binder that gives consistency)
- salt and pepper, to taste
- a bit of thyme (an aromatic herb that fits perfectly)
- oil for frying
- 4 tablespoons of flour (to give a crispy crust to the meatballs)
- 2 bunches of dill (for freshness)
- 2 bunches of parsley (to enhance the flavors)

Ingredients for the sauce:
- 1 tablespoon of frying oil
- 500 ml tomato juice (should be of high quality for a tasty sauce)
- 1 glass of white wine (optional, but adds a note of elegance)
- 1 teaspoon of sugar (to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 bay leaves (a deep aroma, but be careful to remove them before serving)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the meatballs:
In a large bowl, add the minced meat and mix well. Add the finely chopped onion and crushed garlic. If you choose to use bread, make sure it is well squeezed of milk. If opting for potato, grate it on a fine grater. These ingredients will add moisture and flavor to the meatballs.

2. Seasoning the mixture:
Add the egg, salt, pepper, and thyme. Don't forget the fresh herbs! Dill and parsley, well washed and finely chopped, will provide a fresh and vibrant taste. Mix everything until you get a homogeneous composition.

3. Forming the meatballs:
With wet hands, form meatballs of the desired size, then coat them in flour. This step will help achieve a crispy crust. Slightly flatten them in your palm.

4. Frying the meatballs:
In a deep pan, heat the oil. When it is well heated, add the meatballs and fry them until golden on both sides. Then place them on absorbent paper to remove excess oil.

5. Preparing the sauce:
In the same pan, with a tablespoon of frying oil, add the tomato juice. Including white wine will give the sauce a special taste, but it is optional. Add the sugar, bay leaves, salt, and pepper, and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes. Taste and adjust the spices to your liking.

6. Finalizing the dish:
Add the meatballs to the simmering sauce and let them cook on low heat for 5 minutes. This step will allow the meatballs to absorb the flavors of the sauce and become extremely tasty. Don't forget to remove the bay leaves before serving!

7. Serving:
Marinated meatballs can be served with a variety of sides. Boiled rice or mashed potatoes are classic options, but a fresh tomato salad or a serving of polenta will perfectly complement this dish. Imagine a table full of colors and flavors, where every bite brings a smile to your face.

Practical tips:
- If you want less greasy meatballs, you can opt for baking. Place the meatballs on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes at 200°C, turning them halfway through.
- You can experiment with various herbs. A combination of oregano and basil offers a Mediterranean taste, while fresh cilantro can give an exotic note.

Nutritional information:
Marinated meatballs are a good source of protein due to the pork and egg. Dill and parsley provide vitamins and minerals, while tomato sauce contains lycopene, a beneficial antioxidant. A serving of marinated meatballs (about 2-3 meatballs) offers around 350 calories, depending on the side dish.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use chicken or turkey meat? Sure! The meatballs can be adapted according to preferences, and chicken will provide a lighter taste.
- How can I store leftover meatballs? They can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or frozen for later consumption. Reheat them in the tomato sauce to restore their flavor.

Possible variations:
To add a touch of originality, you can incorporate feta cheese into the meatball mixture or add some chopped olives. These small changes will transform the dish into one with a unique character.

Marinated meatballs are not just a simple dish, but also a story. A story about family, about traditions, and about the joy of sharing meals full of love. So, don't hesitate to prepare them and enjoy every bite!