Marinated meatballs

Marinated meatballs – a savory recipe, full of tradition and flavor, that will bring the aroma and warmth of home to every meal. This dish is ideal for a family dinner or to impress guests, and the combination of meatballs with a rich and aromatic sauce makes it a perfect choice. Here’s how you can prepare these delicious marinated meatballs step by step.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

For the meatballs:
- 500 g minced meat (preferably a mixture of pork and beef for a rich taste)
- 150 g onion (finely chopped)
- 50 g garlic (2-3 cloves, well crushed)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- 1 bunch of fresh dill (finely chopped)
- 2 eggs
- 2-3 slices of bread (soaked in water or milk, then squeezed)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying

For the sauce:
- 300 g tomato paste
- 150 ml oil
- 2 cloves of garlic (finely chopped)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 bay leaves
- 10 g peppercorns
- 30 g salt
- Water (as needed)

Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the meatballs

1. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the minced meat, finely chopped onion, crushed garlic, parsley, and dill. These herbs will give your meatballs a fresh and aromatic taste.
2. Adding wet ingredients: Incorporate the beaten eggs and squeezed bread slices. Make sure the bread is well squeezed to avoid a too wet mixture, which could lead to fragile meatballs.
3. Seasoning: Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. Mix all the ingredients well with your hands until you achieve a homogeneous composition. You can also add a little cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

Step 2: Shaping the meatballs

1. Forming the meatballs: With wet hands, shape equal-sized meatballs. This will ensure even cooking. You can opt for small meatballs for a snack or larger ones to be served as a main dish.
2. Frying: In a large skillet, heat the oil. Add the meatballs and fry them until golden brown on each side. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; it’s better to fry them in batches. Once fried, remove them onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

Step 3: Preparing the sauce

1. Sautéing the vegetables: In the same skillet where you fried the meatballs, add a little oil if necessary, then add the finely chopped onion and garlic. Sauté them over medium heat until translucent and fragrant.
2. Adding the tomato paste: Add the tomato paste and mix well. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors.
3. Seasoning: Add bay leaves, peppercorns, and salt. Adjust the sauce consistency with water. Let it simmer on low heat for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Combining the meatballs with the sauce

1. Finishing the dish: Add the fried meatballs to the hot sauce and let them simmer together for a few minutes so they absorb the sauce flavors.
2. Serving: Serve the meatballs hot, sprinkled with freshly chopped herbs. They pair perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad.

Useful tips

- Vary the meat: You can use chicken or turkey for a lighter option, but the flavor will be different.
- Add spices: Depending on your preferences, you can add cumin, coriander, or even a splash of soy sauce for a unique twist.
- Freezing: The meatballs can be frozen without any issues. After frying, let them cool, then place them in freezer bags.

Nutritional benefits

These marinated meatballs are not only delicious but also provide a good source of protein, B vitamins, and essential minerals. The added herbs bring extra antioxidants, and the tomato paste is rich in lycopene, a compound with health benefits.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use store-bought minced meat?
Yes, but make sure it is of good quality to achieve juicy meatballs.

2. How can I adapt the recipe for a vegetarian version?
You can use cooked and mashed chickpeas or lentils to form delicious meatballs.

3. What wine pairs well with this dish?
A dry white wine or a light red would perfectly complement the meal.

Serving suggestions

Marinated meatballs are excellent alongside creamy mashed potatoes or fresh bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a touch of freshness, add a vegetable salad with yogurt dressing.

This classic marinated meatball recipe will not only delight your taste buds but will surely become a favorite among your loved ones. So, put on your apron and let’s cook together!