Potato stew with carrots and meatballs

Potato stew with carrots and meatballs: A Delicacy at Home

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

The potato stew with carrots and meatballs is a comforting and nourishing dish, perfect for cool days or a family meal. This recipe combines the delicate flavors of vegetables with the juiciness of meatballs, creating a dish that will fill your heart with joy. Let’s discover together step by step how to prepare this delicacy at home!

Recipe Story

The origins of stew are lost in the mists of time, being a traditional dish lovingly cooked in many cultures. Over the years, this recipe has evolved, with each region contributing its own local ingredients. Today, potato stew with carrots and meatballs is a symbol of family warmth and hospitality, often served during celebrations or family reunions.

Necessary Ingredients

For the meatballs:
- 500 g fresh veal (recommended from a reliable source)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup rice, washed
- A pinch of salt
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 country egg

For the sauce:
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 bunch of green onions, sliced
- 2 thin stalks of green garlic, chopped
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup baby carrots
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- A pinch of salt
- Fresh parsley for garnish

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Preparing the meatballs

1. Washing and preparing the meat: Start by washing the veal well. Make sure it is fresh, as the taste will significantly influence the dish.

2. Chopping the ingredients: Use a sharp knife to finely chop the meat, onion, and parsley. If you prefer, you can use a food processor to achieve a uniform consistency.

3. Mixing: In a large bowl, add the minced meat, onion, parsley, washed rice, egg, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything well with your hands until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.

4. Shaping the meatballs: From the mixture obtained, form meatballs of the desired size. Make sure they are compact so they do not fall apart during boiling.

Step 2: Boiling the meatballs

5. Preparing the water: In a large pot, add 2 liters of water and bring it to a boil.

6. Boiling the meatballs: When the water starts to boil, carefully add the meatballs. Let them boil for 10-15 minutes until they are fully cooked. Add a pinch of salt to the water for flavor.

7. Cooling the meatballs: After boiling, remove the meatballs and let them cool on a plate.

Step 3: Preparing the sauce

8. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large skillet, add 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil and heat it. Add the green onions and green garlic, sautéing until golden and aromatic.

9. Adding the vegetables: Add the diced potatoes and baby carrots. Let them brown for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

10. Adding the meatballs: Place the sautéed meatballs in the skillet, gently mixing to avoid crushing them.

11. Adding the liquid: Gradually add the meat broth to cover the vegetables and meatballs. Let everything simmer for 10-15 minutes until the vegetables are well cooked.

12. Finalizing the sauce: Add the tomato paste and a pinch of salt, then let the sauce reduce until it reaches a thick and flavorful consistency.

Step 4: Serving

13. Garnishing: Once the stew is ready, remove it from heat and sprinkle fresh parsley on top for an extra touch of color and flavor.

14. Serving suggestion: Serve the stew hot, alongside pickled cucumbers or a fresh seasonal salad. These accompaniments will add a delicious contrast and make the meal even more enjoyable.

Practical Tips

- Choosing the meat: Use fresh veal from reliable sources. Fresh meat tastes much better compared to frozen.
- Preparing the meat: If you have time, try to chop the meat at home. This will add a personal touch to the dish.
- Salt: Be careful with the amount of salt you add, as the dish will absorb saltiness as the broth reduces. It’s better to add salt gradually.
- Recipe variations: You can also add other vegetables, such as peas or green beans, to enrich the texture and flavor of the stew.

Nutritional Benefits

Potato stew with carrots and meatballs is not only delicious but also healthy. Potatoes are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates and vitamin C, while carrots provide a generous supply of beta-carotene, beneficial for vision and the immune system. The meatballs made from veal are rich in protein and iron, essential for a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken instead of veal?
Yes, you can use chicken, but the taste will be different. Make sure to adjust the cooking time to avoid drying out the meat.

2. What can I do if I don’t have rice?
You can replace the rice with quinoa or even soaked bread for a similar result.

3. How can I store the stew?
You can store the stew in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days or freeze it for later consumption.

So get ready to enjoy a warm and comforting meal that will bring a smile to your face and warmth to your soul. Bon appétit!