Meat sauce with polenta

Delicious meat sauce and polenta recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Dear cooking enthusiasts, today I invite you to discover a traditional recipe, full of flavor and warmth, perfect for evenings spent with loved ones: meat sauce and polenta. This dish is not just food, but a flavorful story that takes us back to family memories, to Sunday meals when everyone gathers for a feast.

Polenta, a staple food in many cultures, is a perfect accompaniment to our rich sauce, and together they form an unforgettable duo. Let's put on our aprons and start the culinary adventure!

Necessary ingredients

- 500 g pork (preferably from the shoulder or neck, for a tender texture)
- 500 ml broth (or tomato paste, for a more intense flavor)
- 1 head of garlic (fresh, for a vibrant taste)
- 5 tablespoons flour (to achieve a creamy sauce)
- Oil (enough for sautéing, about 5 tablespoons)
- Hot paprika (optional, for a touch of spice)
- Vegeta (or spices of your choice)
- 1 red bell pepper (for extra color and flavor)
- 1 onion (for aroma)

Necessary utensils

- A large pot for the meat
- A separate pot for the sauce
- A wooden spoon for stirring
- A knife and a cutting board

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the meat:
Start by cutting the pork into small cubes. Make sure the sizes are uniform for even cooking. In a large pot, add 2 tablespoons of oil and sauté the meat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.

2. Adding the vegetables:
Chop the onion and bell pepper finely and add them to the pot. Continue to sauté the mixture for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables soften and the flavors combine.

3. Boiling the meat:
Add 2 cups of water to the pot, cover with a lid, and let it simmer on low heat for an hour. This will allow the meat to become tender and flavorful. After it has boiled, let it cool slightly.

4. Preparing the sauce:
In another pot, add 5 tablespoons of oil and the finely chopped garlic. Sauté over medium heat, being careful not to burn it. When the garlic turns golden, add the flour and hot paprika. Stir quickly to avoid lumps forming.

5. Creating the sauce:
Deglaze the mixture with the broth and the water in which the meat boiled, stirring constantly to achieve a smooth consistency. Continue to stir until the sauce thickens.

6. Finalizing the sauce:
Once the sauce has reached the desired consistency, add the boiled meat and season with Vegeta. Let it simmer together for another 5 minutes, so the flavors infuse.

Serving

The meat sauce is served hot, alongside a generous portion of steaming polenta. An interesting idea is to use the polenta as a base for the sauce, forming a small "nest" in which to place the rich sauce. You can garnish the plate with freshly chopped parsley or chili flakes for an attractive look.

Pairing suggestions

This savory dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh or pickled cabbage salad, which adds a note of freshness. For a complete culinary experience, try pairing it with a glass of red wine, which will highlight the intense flavors of the sauce.

Calories and nutritional benefits

A serving of meat sauce and polenta contains approximately 600-700 calories, depending on the amount of oil and meat used. This recipe provides protein from the meat, carbohydrates from the polenta, and vitamins from the vegetables, making it a balanced and nourishing meal.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use another type of meat?
Yes, you can replace the pork with chicken or beef, but the cooking time may vary. Be sure to adjust the boiling time according to the type of meat.

How can I enhance the flavor of the sauce?
Add spices like oregano, thyme, or rosemary to give the sauce an additional taste and aroma. You can also replace some vegetables with mushrooms or carrots to diversify the texture.

What other variations can I try?
For a vegetarian recipe, you can use mushrooms and vegetables, preparing a similar sauce but without meat. It will still be just as delicious and satisfying.

Personal note

This meat sauce and polenta recipe is not just a dish, but a vivid memory from my childhood when my grandmother would prepare this meal with great love. Each bite brings not only the rich taste but also the memory of beautiful times spent around the table. Therefore, I encourage you to prepare it and enjoy it with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!