Meatballs with Sauce

To prepare these delicious meatballs, start by grinding the meat twice using a meat grinder, if you don’t have pre-ground meat on hand. In this step, along with the meat, add a peeled and diced potato, a few cloves of garlic, an onion (or green onion, as preferred), and of course, the chosen herbs, which can include parsley, dill, or basil, for an extra flavor boost. Mix all the chopped ingredients well, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

Once you have a homogeneous mixture, incorporate a piece of bread or roll that has been soaked in water and then well squeezed, so that no excess liquid remains. This ingredient will help maintain the moisture of the meatballs. Then, add grated cheese, which will provide an intense flavor and creamy texture, followed by the beaten eggs. Finally, season the mixture with salt and pepper to your liking.

After preparing the mixture, form balls of the desired size. It is important to make them uniform for even cooking. Dredge each ball in flour, ensuring it is coated on all sides. Then, heat oil in a pan and brown the meatballs on all sides until they become golden and crispy.

For the sauce, start by sautéing the finely chopped onion in a pan with 2-3 tablespoons of hot oil, adding the same amount of water. Allow the onion to soften slightly, stirring occasionally. Once the onion becomes translucent, add the crushed or diced tomatoes, along with the tomato sauce, and a little water if needed. Simmer the mixture over low heat, covered, for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.

After this time, add a bay leaf, a teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, and the dried basil. Let the sauce cook for another 5 minutes, and at the end, don’t forget to season with salt and pepper so that the taste is perfect. Finally, add the fried meatballs to the sauce and let them simmer together for a few minutes to absorb the flavors of the sauce.

Serve warm, alongside the tomato sauce, and for a hearty meal, you can add a preferred side dish, such as mashed potatoes, a fresh salad, or rice. This recipe is not only tasty but also very versatile, perfect for enjoying with family or friends.