Marinated meatballs

Marinated Meatballs with Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe

Who doesn't love meatballs? These delights, which perfectly combine meat, spices, and a touch of crunch, are always welcome on our table. In this recipe, I will show you how to prepare marinated meatballs, accompanied by a sweet and sour tomato sauce that will make them shine. It is a simple recipe, but with an extraordinary result, perfect for a family dinner or to impress guests.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

For the meatballs:
- 700 g ground meat (chicken, pork, or a delicious mix)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 head of garlic, crushed
- 1 egg
- 10 tablespoons breadcrumbs (use fresh breadcrumbs for better texture)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Oil for frying

For the sweet and sour sauce:
- 500 ml tomato puree (choose a high-quality one)
- 4-5 bay leaves
- 3-4 tablespoons sugar (choose brown sugar for a deeper flavor)
- 4 tablespoons flour
- Oil (for sautéing)
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation Steps

1. Preparing the Meatballs
The first step in creating these delicious meatballs is to combine the ingredients. In a large bowl, add the ground meat. Then, add the chopped onion, crushed garlic, and fresh parsley. These ingredients will bring a fresh aroma and exceptional flavor to the meatballs.

Helpful tips: Choose ground meat with a moderate fat content (about 15-20%) to achieve a juicy texture. If you want to reduce calories, you can use chicken or turkey, but be careful, as they can be drier.

Add the egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands or a spatula until all the ingredients are completely integrated.

Tip: Let the mixture rest for 10-15 minutes at room temperature. This will allow the flavors to meld and help with forming the meatballs.

2. Shaping and Frying the Meatballs
After the mixture has rested, shape the meatballs to your desired size, recommended to be flat for even cooking. Dip each meatball in breadcrumbs to achieve a crispy layer when frying.

In a deep skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the meatballs. Fry the meatballs on each side for 3-4 minutes or until golden.

Frequently asked question: Why is it important to fry the meatballs at the correct temperature? If the oil is not hot enough, the meatballs will absorb too much oil and become heavy.

3. Preparing the Sweet and Sour Sauce
While the meatballs are frying, it's time to make the sauce. In a saucepan, heat a little oil over medium heat and add the flour. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to achieve a golden roux.

Add the tomato puree, bay leaves, sugar, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer, stirring occasionally. The sauce will begin to thicken and become aromatic.

Suggestion: If you want a spicier sauce, add a pinch of paprika or chili flakes. These spices will balance the sweetness of the sugar and add character to the sauce.

4. Finalizing the Dish
Once the meatballs are fried and the sauce is ready, arrange the meatballs on a platter and pour the aromatic sauce over them. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley for a touch of freshness.

Serving Suggestions
These marinated meatballs are delicious served with a side of mashed potatoes or a crispy green salad. They can also be enjoyed alongside a serving of rice or pasta.

Nutritional Benefits
Meatballs are an excellent source of protein, and adding vegetables (such as onion and parsley) enriches them with vitamins and minerals. The tomato sauce provides lycopene, a beneficial antioxidant for heart health.

Calories
A serving of marinated meatballs contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the type of meat and the amount of oil used for frying.

Possible Variations
- Vegetarian meatballs: Replace the meat with chopped mushrooms or grated vegetables, adding legumes like lentils or chickpeas.
- Cheese meatballs: Add cubes of mozzarella cheese inside the meatballs for a delicious surprise with each bite.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I freeze the meatballs? Yes, these meatballs can easily be frozen. Make sure to let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container.
2. What can I use instead of breadcrumbs? If you don't have breadcrumbs, you can use ground oats or even crushed cereal for an alternative crunch.

This marinated meatballs recipe with sweet and sour sauce is not only tasty but also versatile. You can adapt the ingredients and sauce to your personal preferences, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. So, let's get cooking, enjoy the flavors, and share pleasant moments at the table!