Turkey meatballs in tomato sauce

Turkey meatballs in tomato sauce: A heartfelt recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Turkey meatballs are one of those recipes that remind us of family meals, flavors of the past, and moments spent with loved ones. These delicious meatballs, served with a rich tomato sauce, are not only nourishing but also full of flavor. Let's explore the steps necessary to create this savory dish together!

Ingredients for meatballs:

- 1 kg turkey breast (preferably free-range for a more intense flavor)
- 4 medium onions
- 1 head of garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- A pinch of ground pepper
- 2 eggs
- 2 slices of bread (preferably whole grain for a more interesting texture)

Ingredients for sauce:

- 1 large tomato (over 1 kg, fresh)
- 2 medium onions
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 3 bay leaves
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (for a refined taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by peeling the onions and garlic. It’s preferable to use white or yellow onions, which give a sweet taste to the dish. Put them together with the turkey breast in a meat grinder to turn them into a homogeneous paste.

2. Mixing the meatball mixture:
In a large bowl, add the ground meat, chopped onion, and garlic. Add the eggs, bread soaked in water and well drained, salt, and pepper. Mix everything with your hands until you get a homogeneous mixture. This step is essential to ensure the meatballs have a pleasant texture.

3. Forming the meatballs:
Coat your palms with a little oil and form round meatballs the size of a ping pong ball. Place them on a platter. This trick will help prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands and make forming the meatballs easier.

4. Baking the meatballs:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Prepare a baking tray with parchment paper. Place the meatballs on the paper, leaving enough space between them to bake evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they are golden on both sides.

5. Preparing the tomato sauce:
While the meatballs are baking, peel and finely chop the onion and garlic for the sauce. In a deep skillet, heat the olive oil and add the onion and garlic, letting them brown nicely until they become translucent.

6. Cooking the sauce:
Add the diced tomato, salt, and bay leaves. Simmer the sauce over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces by at least 30%, and the flavors meld perfectly. This process will enhance the sauce's flavor.

7. Assembling the dish:
When the meatballs are ready, remove them from the oven and add them to the tomato sauce. Allow them to simmer together over low heat for 10-15 minutes, so the flavors can intertwine.

8. Serving:
Turkey meatballs in tomato sauce can be served alongside mashed potatoes or polenta, but also with a fresh green salad for a contrast of textures and flavors. A slice of fresh bread will be perfect for savoring the delicious sauce.

Useful tips:

- Trick to avoid sticking: If you notice the mixture is too soft, you can add a little flour or breadcrumbs to achieve a better consistency.
- Variations: You can add spices like paprika or herbs (basil, dill) to the meatball mixture for a different taste.
- Nutrition: Turkey breast is an excellent source of lean protein and contains less fat than other types of meat, making it ideal for a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use other types of meat? Of course! You can replace turkey breast with chicken, beef, or pork, according to your preferences.
- How can I store the meatballs? They store well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- What drinks pair well? A light beer or a light red wine are excellent accompaniments for this dish.

Turkey meatballs in tomato sauce are a perfect choice for a family dinner or to impress guests. With a rich taste and irresistible aroma, this recipe will surely bring smiles to the table. Enjoy and savor every bite!