Marinated meatballs

Delicious Meatballs with Tomato Sauce Recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4

Who doesn’t love meatballs? This classic dish, with a history that spans centuries and is adored by all ages, boasts incredible versatility. Whether you serve them in tomato sauce, with mashed potatoes, or in a sandwich, meatballs are always a winning choice. In this recipe, I'll show you how to make delicious meatballs, accompanied by a flavorful tomato sauce that will turn any meal into a celebration.

Ingredients for Meatballs:
- 1 kg ground meat (a mix of pork and beef)
- 1/4 loaf of bread (approximately 100g)
- 1 cup (250ml) milk
- 2 medium onions
- 2 eggs
- 5 cloves of garlic
- Spices: 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon dried dill, black pepper to taste
- Salt to taste
- Oil for frying
- Breadcrumbs for coating the meatballs

Ingredients for Sauce:
- 1 cup olive oil (approximately 250ml)
- 2 medium onions
- 1 head of garlic
- 200g tomato paste
- 3 tablespoons flour
- Spices: 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, lemon pepper to taste, a little Delikat or other seasoning
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Step 1: Preparing the Meatballs
To achieve juicy and flavorful meatballs, start by preparing the ingredients. Finely chop the onions and garlic. This step is crucial to avoid large chunks in the meatballs.

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat with the chopped onion and garlic. Add the soaked and well-drained bread, eggs, spices, and salt.
2. Here’s my secret: using two eggs! They help bind the ingredients and give the meatballs a fluffier texture. If you prefer a lighter version, you can use just one egg, but the results won't be as successful.
3. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly with your hands until you achieve a homogeneous mixture. Let them sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 2: Shaping and Frying the Meatballs
1. Lightly oil your hands to prevent sticking and shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs.
2. Roll each meatball in breadcrumbs, ensuring they are evenly coated. This step will give them a crispy crust when fried.
3. In a deep skillet, heat the oil until hot. Fry the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan, for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden and crispy. Remove them onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

Step 3: Preparing the Tomato Sauce
1. In the same skillet where you fried the meatballs, add the olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and garlic until they become translucent and fragrant.
2. Add the flour, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. This step will give the sauce a silky texture.
3. Dilute the flour with warm water and continue stirring. Then, add the tomato paste and spices, allowing the sauce to simmer for 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Finally, add the fried meatballs to the tomato sauce and let everything simmer on low heat for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend perfectly.

Step 4: Serving
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. You can serve the meatballs with mashed potatoes, cooked pasta, or a fresh salad. Another suggestion is to use them in sandwiches with fresh bread, accompanied by a bit of yogurt sauce or flavored mayonnaise.

Tips and Variations
- If you want to make the meatballs even healthier, you can replace some of the meat with grated vegetables like zucchini or carrots.
- The meatballs can also be baked to reduce the amount of oil used. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes at 180 degrees Celsius.
- For a spicier sauce, you can add some chopped chili pepper or chili flakes.

Nutritional Benefits
Ground meatballs are a good source of protein and B vitamins. Adding vegetables and spices not only enhances the flavor but also boosts the nutritional value. The tomato sauce is rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant beneficial for heart health.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken or turkey for the meatballs?
Yes, chicken or turkey is an excellent option for a leaner version. Just make sure to add enough spices to compensate for the milder flavor of the meat.

2. How can I store leftover meatballs?
Meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. You can reheat them in the oven or on the stovetop.

3. What drinks pair best with meatballs?
A cold lemonade or a light red wine are excellent choices to complement this tasty dish.

In conclusion, meatballs with tomato sauce are a versatile and comforting dish that can be customized to your tastes. Don’t forget to enjoy every step of the cooking process and share the joy of this traditional dish with your loved ones! Enjoy your meal!