Meatballs with tomato sauce

Meatballs in Tomato Sauce - A Classic and Delicious Recipe

Meatballs in tomato sauce are a comforting dish that evokes pleasant memories and moments spent with family. Whether you are an experienced cook or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe will bring a smile to your face and delight your taste buds. You will discover how to prepare juicy and flavorful meatballs, enveloped in a rich tomato sauce, perfectly accompanied by various side dishes. Let's get started!

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

Ingredients

For the meatballs:
- 500 g minced meat (pork, beef, or a mix)
- 1 egg
- 1 slice of bread (preferably whole grain or homemade)
- 50 ml milk
- 1 medium potato, peeled and grated
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 5-6 garlic cloves, minced
- Oil for frying

For the sauce:
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 bell peppers, diced
- 3 large garden tomatoes, chopped
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ cup white wine (optional)
- 1 cup water
- Thyme, to taste
- A handful of raisins, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil

Preparing the Meatballs

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by soaking the slice of bread in milk for a few minutes until it becomes soft. This way, your meatballs will be juicier. In the meantime, peel the potato and grate it on the small grater.

2. Mixing the composition: In a large bowl, combine the minced meat with the egg, grated potato, and well-squeezed bread. Add the minced garlic, salt, and pepper, then mix everything until you achieve a homogeneous composition. It is important not to overmix, as this will make the meatballs too dense.

3. Shaping the meatballs: Shape the meatballs to your desired size, then gently flatten them to cook evenly. You can use a spoon for portioning to get equally sized meatballs.

4. Frying the meatballs: In a deep skillet, add oil for frying (about 1 cm high) and let it heat up well. Add the meatballs to the skillet, taking care not to crowd them, and fry until golden on both sides. Once fried, remove them to absorbent paper to eliminate excess oil.

Preparing the Tomato Sauce

1. Sautéing the onion: In the same skillet where you fried the meatballs, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of water. Add the chopped onion and sauté over medium heat until it becomes shiny and soft, about 5 minutes.

2. Adding the vegetables: Once the onion is ready, add the diced bell peppers and chopped tomatoes. Stir and let simmer for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften.

3. Adding the wine: If you choose to use wine, this is the ideal moment. Add the white wine and let it simmer for a few minutes for the alcohol to evaporate. This will add depth to the sauce.

4. Boiling the sauce: Add the water, bay leaf, and thyme, then let the sauce simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes until it reduces sufficiently and becomes more concentrated. In the last minutes, add the finely chopped raisins for a sweet-sour taste.

5. Combining the meatballs with the sauce: Once the sauce is ready, add the fried meatballs to the skillet and let them simmer together with the sauce for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.

Serving

Meatballs in tomato sauce are delicious served warm, alongside your favorite side dish. Mashed potatoes are a classic choice, but you can also opt for rice, pasta, or sautéed vegetables. A fresh summer salad can add a pleasant contrast.

Personal note: I recommend experimenting with spices! Add a pinch of sweet or spicy paprika to the meatball mixture for an extra flavor boost. You can also try using chicken or turkey for a lighter version.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

This meatball recipe in tomato sauce contains approximately 350-400 calories per serving, depending on the type of meat used and the amount of oil. The minced meat provides essential proteins, while the vegetables and tomatoes bring vitamins and antioxidants. Raisins add a source of fiber and natural sugars, aiding in healthy digestion.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use chicken meat? Yes, chicken meat is an excellent alternative and can make the meatballs lighter.
- How can I store the meatballs? The meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. You can reheat them in the oven or skillet.
- What is the best side dish for meatballs? Mashed potatoes are classic, but a green salad or rice are also excellent options.

This meatball recipe in tomato sauce is not only simple but also full of flavor, a perfect choice for a family dinner or a festive meal. Try making it and enjoy all the deliciousness it brings to your plate. Bon appétit!