Vegetable stew with meatballs

Vegetable Stew with Meatballs - A Delicious Recipe for Unforgettable Moments

This vegetable stew with meatballs is a dish that not only delights the taste buds but also provides a sense of comfort and warmth. Whether it's a family meal or a dinner with friends, this dish will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. I invite you to discover with me the necessary steps to create a delicious, flavorful, and colorful stew.

Preparation Time and Servings

- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total: 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Number of Servings: 4-6

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

- 500 g pork (preferably shoulder)
- 3 green onions
- 2 green garlic stalks
- Salt, to taste
- Ground pepper, to taste
- 1 egg
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 2 slices of bread (preferably slightly stale)
- Oil for frying
- Flour (for coating the meatballs)

For the Stew

- 3 green onions
- 1 green garlic stalk
- 1/4 celery root
- A handful of baby carrots (or regular carrots)
- 1 bell pepper
- 3-4 slices of bacon (optional, but recommended for extra flavor)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 bay leaf
- Oil (for sautéing)
- Salt, to taste
- Ground pepper, to taste

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Preparing the Vegetables

1. Cleaning and washing the vegetables: Start by cleaning and washing the vegetables. This step is essential to ensure that the dish will be fresh and clean.

2. Chopping the vegetables: Finely chop the green onions and garlic, and dice the celery and bell pepper. Baby carrots can be left whole or halved, depending on your preference.

3. Preparing the bacon: Cut the bacon into suitable strips. This will add a special flavor to the stew.

Step 2: Cooking the Vegetables

1. Heating the oil: In a large pot, add the oil and let it heat up.

2. Browning the bacon: Place the bacon slices in the hot oil and let them brown for 1-2 minutes, turning them to cook evenly. Once browned, remove them to a plate.

3. Sautéing the vegetables: In the same pot, add the onion and celery. Sauté for a few minutes, then add the bell pepper, garlic, and baby carrots. Season with salt and pepper and let everything cook until the vegetables become tender, about 5-7 minutes.

4. Boiling the vegetables: Add a cup of water, the bay leaf, and let it simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes. This step will help develop the flavors.

Step 3: Preparing the Meatballs

1. Grinding the ingredients: Use a meat grinder to grind the pork along with the onion, garlic, and herbs. This will allow the flavors to combine perfectly.

2. Mixing: Add the slices of bread and continue grinding until you achieve a homogeneous mixture. Season with salt and pepper, add the egg and a little water, then mix again.

3. Forming the meatballs: From the obtained mixture, form small balls. Roll them in flour to achieve a crispy crust when frying.

4. Frying the meatballs: In a skillet, heat the oil and fry the meatballs until golden brown on all sides. Remove them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Step 4: Finalizing the Stew

1. Adding the meatballs: Once the vegetables have boiled, add the meatballs to the pot.

2. Adding the tomato paste: Incorporate the 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and, if necessary, add more water so that the liquid covers the meatballs.

3. Final seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, then cover the pot and bake at 180°C for 15-20 minutes. This step will allow all the flavors to combine perfectly.

Serving

The vegetable stew with meatballs is delicious served hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or dill for an extra touch of freshness. It can be accompanied by warm polenta or fresh bread, which will perfectly complement the dish.

Tip for Variations

For a personal touch, you can add other vegetables to the stew, such as zucchini or eggplant, to provide a variety of textures and flavors. You can also experiment with different types of meat, such as chicken or turkey, to adapt the recipe to your preferences.

Nutritional Benefits

This stew is rich in protein due to the meatballs, and the vegetables add essential fiber and vitamins. Additionally, the bacon adds extra flavor, but you can opt for a healthier version by using lean meat or omitting it completely.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use beef instead of pork?
Yes, you can use beef or even a combination of pork and beef for a different taste.

2. Can I make the meatballs from chicken?
Absolutely! Chicken meatballs are just as delicious and lighter.

3. How can I store the stew?
The stew stores well in the refrigerator in an airtight container and can be consumed within 3 days.

4. Can the stew be frozen?
Yes, the stew can be frozen. Make sure it is completely cooled before placing it in freezing containers.

Conclusion

This vegetable stew with meatballs is not only a delicious recipe but also an excellent way to bring family and friends together at the table. With every bite, you will feel the warmth and love that you put into every dish. So, don't hesitate to try this recipe and share the special moments created around the table with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!