Meatballs with tarragon sauce

Tarragon Sauce Meatballs - A Delight of Childhood Flavors

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

If you've ever wondered how to turn a simple recipe into an unforgettable memory, tarragon sauce meatballs are exactly what you're looking for. This recipe is not just a delicious dish, but also a tribute to your grandmother, who always knew how to bring joy to the table. Let's embark together on this culinary journey!

Ingredients needed

*For the meatballs:*
- 500 g mixed ground meat (pork and beef)
- 2 large eggs (preferably organic)
- 4 slices of bread (ideally homemade, for an authentic taste)
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste

*For the sauce:*
- 300 ml tomato juice (you can use freshly squeezed tomato juice for an intense flavor)
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 6 cloves of garlic (crushed to release the aroma)
- 1 large onion (finely chopped)
- 30 ml oil (olive oil for an extra flavor)
- 1 bunch of fresh tarragon
- 3 bay leaves
- Sugar, salt, and pepper to taste

Preparing the meatballs

1. Preparing the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, add the ground meat, eggs, bread (cut into small cubes for better soaking), dill, and finely chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Use your hands to mix everything very well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.

2. Forming the meatballs: With wet hands, shape the meatballs to your desired size. You can choose to make them smaller for easier serving as appetizers or larger for the main course.

3. Frying the meatballs: In a deep pan, heat the oil. Add the meatballs and fry them on all sides until they become golden and crispy. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan to allow for even frying. Once browned, remove them to a plate covered with a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

Preparing the tarragon sauce

1. Sautéing the onion: In the same pan (where you fried the meatballs), add a little oil if necessary and sauté the chopped onion over medium heat until it becomes translucent.

2. Adding the ingredients: Once the onion is sautéed, add the tomato juice, tomato paste, crushed garlic, chopped tarragon, bay leaves, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine the flavors.

3. Boiling the sauce: Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes over low heat to concentrate the flavors. You can adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding a little water if it is too thick.

4. Finalizing the dish: Add the meatballs to the simmering sauce, cover the pan, and let them cook together for another 10 minutes over low heat. At the end, add the chopped dill and parsley, gently mixing to incorporate them.

Serving the tarragon sauce meatballs

Now that you've made the tarragon sauce meatballs, it's time to serve them! These delicious meatballs are perfectly adaptable, and I recommend serving them with creamy mashed potatoes or fresh bread that will soak up every drop of sauce. I suggest trying a fresh green salad alongside for a balance of flavors.

Useful tips and variations

- For an even more intense flavor, you can add a few drops of lemon juice to the tarragon sauce.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can bake the meatballs in the oven at 180°C for 25 minutes, turning them halfway through.
- Substitutions: If you don't have fresh tarragon on hand, you can also use dried tarragon, but adjust the amount since the flavor is more concentrated.
- For a spicy note, add a little chopped chili pepper to the sauce.

Nutritional benefits

Mixed ground meat provides essential proteins, while tomato sauce is a good source of antioxidants, such as lycopene. Garlic and tarragon not only add flavor but also health benefits, having anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I freeze the meatballs?
Yes, the meatballs can be frozen before frying. Place them on a tray and put them in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer them to freezer bags.

2. What other sauces can I use?
You can experiment with sauces such as sour cream sauce, white sauce, or mushroom sauce to completely change the dish.

3. What drinks pair well with this dish?
A dry white wine or fresh lemonade are excellent choices to accompany the tarragon sauce meatballs.

I hope this recipe brings you not only a delicious dish to the table but also beautiful memories from childhood! Enjoy your meal!