Marinated meatballs

Marinated Meatballs: A Delicacy that Combines Tradition and Flavor

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

Marinated meatballs are a classic dish loved by many generations. This meal not only offers a savory taste but also brings a touch of nostalgia to every meal. Combining pork and beef, these meatballs become incredibly tender, and the aromatic sauce complements them perfectly. The dish is often associated with family moments when everyone gathers around the table to enjoy the lovingly prepared delicacies.

Ingredients:

For the meatballs:
- 400 g minced meat (half beef, half pork)
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 egg
- 2 slices of slightly stale bread
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh dill (optional)
- Fresh parsley (optional)
- Oil for frying

For the sauce:
- 1 large onion
- 1 bell pepper (red or green)
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 3 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon of flour
- Dill (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 bay leaf

Preparation:

1. Preparing the meatballs:
- Start by soaking the slices of bread in water. After a few minutes, squeeze them well and crumble them into a large bowl.
- Add the minced beef and pork, the egg, the finely chopped onion (to combine better in the mixture), and the pressed garlic cloves.
- Season the mixture with salt, pepper, dill, and parsley (if desired), then add the flour. Mix everything by hand until you achieve a homogeneous composition.

2. Shaping the meatballs:
- Wet your hands with a little water to prevent the mixture from sticking and form meatballs of suitable size that you can fry later.

3. Frying the meatballs:
- In a deep pan, heat the oil. When it is hot, add the meatballs and fry them until golden on each side. It is important not to overcrowd the pan so they fry evenly.

4. Preparing the sauce:
- In the same pan, add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Add the diced bell pepper and crushed garlic, continuing to cook until all the vegetables soften.
- Add two cups of water and the bay leaf. Cover the pan and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes. This step will intensify the flavors.
- After the vegetables have cooked, mix the flour with the tomato paste to create a paste, then add it to the pan, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Finally, add the meatballs to the vegetable sauce and let them simmer together for another 5 minutes, allowing all the flavors to combine perfectly.

5. Serving:
- The marinated meatballs are served hot, alongside a fluffy mashed potato, which complements the dish perfectly. You can sprinkle fresh dill on top for an extra touch of freshness.

Useful tips:
- It is important for the bread to be slightly stale, as this will help absorb the juices from the meat, making the meatballs more tender.
- You can experiment with different spices, such as thyme or basil, for a more diversified flavor.
- If you prefer thicker sauces, you can add more flour or use cornstarch.

Nutritional benefits:
This recipe is a good source of protein, thanks to the meat, but it also provides vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. Dill and parsley add antioxidants, while garlic is known for its beneficial properties for the immune system.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use chicken instead of beef and pork?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe using minced chicken, but the taste will be different.
2. What can I use instead of tomato paste?
You can use fresh tomato juice, but you will need to adjust the seasonings to achieve a balanced taste.

Similar recipes:
- Meatballs with tomato sauce
- Cabbage rolls
- Patties with yogurt sauce

These marinated meatballs are not just a delicious meal but also an opportunity to share beautiful moments with loved ones. Enjoy every bite and cherish the culinary traditions that bring people together!