Meatballs with sauce

Meatballs with sauce - A delicious and comforting recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Who doesn't love a steaming plate of meatballs with sauce? These delicious, juicy, and flavorful meatballs are the perfect choice for a family dinner or special occasions. Meatballs are a versatile dish that can be adapted to individual preferences, and the tomato sauce complements them perfectly. Let's discover this classic recipe together, step by step!

The history of meatballs is fascinating, as they are traditional dishes in many cultures around the world. Each recipe has evolved over time, borrowing flavors and ingredients from different corners of the globe. Today, we will embrace our meatball with sauce recipe, which is simple, delicious, and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

For the meatballs:
- 500 g minced meat (a mix of pork and beef is ideal)
- 1 medium onion
- 1 egg
- 1 bunch of greens (parsley and dill are excellent options)
- 1 medium potato
- The crumb from a slice of bread, soaked in milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3-4 cloves of garlic

For the sauce:
- 350 g tomato puree (preferably fresh or from a quality can)
- Oregano, thyme, coriander (one teaspoon of each)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying

Preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by finely chopping the onion. If you prefer a milder taste, you can lightly sauté it before adding it to the meatball mixture. Crush the garlic well, and grate the potato finely. Make sure the bread crumb is well soaked in milk, then squeeze it and chop it finely.

Step 2: Mixing the ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the minced meat, onion, garlic, grated potato, chopped greens, bread crumb, and beaten egg. Generously season with salt and pepper. Mix well with clean hands until you achieve a homogeneous mixture. It is important to ensure all ingredients are well integrated so that the meatballs have a uniform texture.

Step 3: Forming the meatballs
From the mixture obtained, form balls the size of golf balls. Lightly coat them in flour to cover them evenly. This step helps create a delicious crust during frying.

Step 4: Frying the meatballs
In a deep skillet, heat the oil. When the oil seems hot enough (you can check by adding a small piece of dough - if it sizzles, it's time to start), add the meatballs, being careful not to overcrowd them. Fry them on all sides until golden and crispy, then remove them to a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

Step 5: Preparing the sauce
In the same skillet, after removing the meatballs, pour in the tomato puree. Add oregano, thyme, coriander, salt, and pepper. Mix well and bring the sauce to a boil. Once the sauce starts boiling, add the fried meatballs, letting them simmer in the sauce for 5-10 minutes. This step will allow the flavors to meld, and the meatballs to soak up the taste.

Step 6: Serving
Meatballs with sauce are delicious served with a side of rice or mashed potatoes. An interesting option would be to sprinkle some grated parmesan on top for added flavor. You can also serve them with a fresh salad to balance the main dish.

Useful tips:
- I recommend using fresh, quality minced meat for better taste. The mix of pork and beef provides an ideal texture.
- You can experiment with various herbs like basil or marjoram to add a personal touch to your recipe.
- If you have time, let the meatballs rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before frying. This will help them maintain their shape and texture.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use chicken meat for the meatballs?
Yes, you can use minced chicken, but make sure to add a moistening ingredient, such as sautéed onion, to prevent dryness.
2. How can I make the meatballs less greasy?
You can bake the meatballs in the oven instead of frying them in oil. Preheat the oven to 200°C, place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden.
3. How can I cool and store the meatballs?
Meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for later use, making sure to pack them well.

Nutritional benefits:
Meatballs are a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals due to the meat, vegetables, and greens used. They also contain fiber from the potato and bread crumb, which helps maintain digestive health.

This meatballs with sauce recipe is definitely an inspired choice for a comforting dinner. Whether you prepare it for family or friends, you will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Don’t forget to enjoy every step of the preparation and share this recipe with your dear ones! Bon appétit!