Marinated meatballs

Marinated meatballs with ketchup sauce - A family recipe that brings joy to the table

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Welcome to the world of delicious marinated meatballs! This recipe, cherished in many households, combines the savory flavors of meat, spices, and fresh herbs, turning every meal into a true celebration. Meatballs are a versatile dish, perfect not only for lunch or dinner but also to be enjoyed in sandwiches or as appetizers at parties.

The story behind the recipe

Meatballs have a long history, being an ingenious way to utilize leftover meat or create nutritious meals from simple ingredients. In many cultures, meatballs are prepared with love and dedication, often associated with pleasant childhood memories. This specific recipe with ketchup sauce adds a touch of familiarity and comfort but can easily be adapted to suit everyone’s tastes.

Main ingredients

- 1000 g mixed ground meat (beef + pork)
- 2 slices of day-old bread
- 2 chicken eggs
- 4-5 garlic cloves
- 3 green onions
- 2 green garlic stalks
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 1000 ml ketchup (or flavored tomato sauce)
- 1 bay leaf
- Iodized salt, freshly ground pepper, sweet paprika
- Sunflower oil for frying (about 500 ml)

Useful tips for ingredients

1. Meat: Choose fresh meat, preferably from a trusted supplier. The mix of beef and pork provides a perfect balance of juiciness and flavor.
2. Bread: Day-old bread is ideal as it is drier and crumbles more easily, helping achieve a good texture.
3. Herbs: Use fresh herbs for an intense flavor. Dill pairs wonderfully with meat, adding a touch of freshness.
4. Ketchup: If you want a more flavorful sauce, try using high-quality ketchup or a spiced tomato sauce.

Preparation technique

1. Preparing the bread: Start by soaking the slices of bread in cold water for about 3 minutes. This step is essential for achieving fluffy meatballs. After soaking, squeeze them well to remove excess water.

2. Mixing the meat: In a large bowl, add the two types of ground meat. Use your hands to mix the meat well until it becomes homogeneous. This step is crucial as an even mixture will ensure uniform cooking.

3. Seasoning: Add salt, pepper, sweet paprika, and crushed garlic. The flavors combine perfectly, making the meatballs delicious. Be generous with the spices, but adjust them to your taste!

4. Adding ingredients: Incorporate the eggs, squeezed bread, flour, finely chopped green onions, and green garlic, as well as the fresh dill. Mix everything well until the ingredients are perfectly integrated.

5. Shaping the meatballs: Form the meatballs with a wet hand to prevent sticking. The ideal size is about 3-4 cm in diameter. They will puff up a little during cooking, so don’t make them too large.

6. Frying: Heat the oil in a deep pan over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the meatballs, being careful not to overcrowd them for even frying. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.

7. Preparing the sauce: In a separate pot, bring the ketchup to a boil. Add the bay leaf and the fried meatballs. Let them simmer for about 10 minutes over medium heat without covering the pot. This step will allow the sauce to enrich itself with the flavors of the meatballs.

Serving

Marinated meatballs are delicious served hot, alongside sides like potato dumplings, boiled potatoes, or mashed potatoes. Personally, I like to serve them with a fresh salad, which adds a touch of freshness and crunch. You can also try pairing them with a refreshing drink, like fruit tea or natural juice.

Possible variations

Depending on your preferences, you can experiment with different types of meat (e.g., chicken or turkey) or add extra spices such as cumin or oregano. For an extra flavor boost, you can add crumbled feta cheese to the meat mixture.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use chicken instead of beef and pork?
Yes, you can use chicken, but make sure to adjust the cooking time as chicken cooks faster.

2. How can I store the meatballs?
The meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for later use.

3. What can I use instead of ketchup?
You can use a flavored tomato sauce, as you mentioned, or you can make a sauce from fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.

Nutritional information

These marinated meatballs are an excellent source of protein due to the meat and contain vitamins and minerals from the herbs. They can also be adapted to fit a varied diet. Depending on the serving size, a serving of meatballs contains approximately 350-400 calories.

In conclusion, marinated meatballs are not just a family recipe but also a way to gather all your loved ones around the table. So, put on an apron, prepare the ingredients, and enjoy the cooking process! Bon appétit!