Marinated meatballs

Marinated Meatballs: A Classic Delight, Perfect for Any Meal

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Number of Servings: 4

Who doesn’t love meatballs? This classic dish, with deep roots in our cuisine, is perfect for family lunches, dinners with friends, or even to bring a touch of comfort on chilly days. Marinated meatballs stand out for their flavor and the aromatic tomato sauce, and the recipe below will guide you step by step to achieve a perfect result.

Ingredients

For the meatballs:

- 500 g ground meat (a combination of pork and beef is ideal)
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 5-6 garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 slices of bread (preferably homemade bread for better taste)
- 1 cup milk
- Fresh dill, chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons flour (to coat the meatballs)

For the sauce:

- 500 ml tomato puree (you can also use crushed tomatoes for a thicker sauce)
- 2-3 peeled tomatoes (for a fresh taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 glass of red wine (about 100 ml, preferably dry)
- 2-3 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 teaspoons sugar (to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)

Preparation

1. Preparing the meatballs:
Start by soaking the slices of bread in milk. This step is essential as it will make the meatballs fluffier and moister. Once soaked, gently squeeze them to remove the excess milk.

2. Mixing the ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, onion, garlic, squeezed bread, eggs, dill, salt, and pepper. Mix well until you achieve a homogeneous mixture. It is recommended to use your hands to ensure that all ingredients are well integrated.

3. Shaping the meatballs:
Wet your hands with water or oil to prevent the mixture from sticking. Shape balls the size of walnuts, then coat them in flour to give them a crispy crust when frying.

4. Cooking the meatballs:
In a deep pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them until golden on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Once fried, remove them onto a paper towel to absorb the excess oil.

5. Preparing the sauce:
In the same pan, add a little oil if necessary and sauté the chopped onion until translucent. Add the tomato puree and peeled tomatoes, mixing well. Season with salt, pepper, sugar, and bay leaves. Let it simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.

6. Combining the meatballs with the sauce:
Once the sauce is ready, add the fried meatballs to the pan. Cover with a lid and let them simmer together for 10-15 minutes for the flavors to meld. Five minutes before turning off the heat, add the glass of red wine and let it evaporate slightly, giving the sauce a special flavor.

Serving

Marinated meatballs can be served alongside a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta. Additionally, a fresh vegetable salad will provide a pleasant contrast to the richness of the sauce. You can add a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.

Useful Tips

- Variations: If you have small children or prefer a milder taste, you can replace the pork with chicken or turkey. These alternatives are just as delicious and less fatty.
- Oven-baked meatballs: If you prefer a healthier method, you can bake the meatballs in the oven. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 180°C for 25-30 minutes, turning them halfway through.
- Storing meatballs: If you have extra meatballs, you can freeze them. Place them on a tray and freeze until firm, then transfer them to a plastic bag. They will be ready for use when you need a quick lunch!

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

A serving of marinated meatballs (about 4-5 meatballs) contains approximately 450-500 calories, depending on the type of meat used and the amount of sauce. This dish is a good source of protein, B vitamins, and antioxidants due to the tomatoes.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use lean beef?
Yes, lean beef is an excellent choice for healthier meatballs.

- What wine should I choose for the sauce?
A dry red wine, such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, will add a pleasant aroma to the sauce.

- How can I enhance the flavors?
You can add spices like paprika or cumin to the meatball mixture for a more intense flavor.

Marinated meatballs are a dish that evokes family meals and special moments spent with loved ones. With every bite, you will feel the warmth and love from the kitchen. So embrace this recipe and make it a favorite of yours!