Vegetables with Meatballs

To start preparing this delicious main dish, we will need a few fresh ingredients, and the process will be simple yet very tasty. We begin by thoroughly washing the potatoes, which we will boil whole, in their skins, to retain all their nutrients and flavor. They will be ready when they soften slightly when pressed with a fork, which will take about 20-30 minutes, depending on their size.

In the meantime, we take care of the meatballs. In a large bowl, we add minced meat, preferably beef or pork, but we can also use a combination. We add an egg, which will help bind the mixture, then finely chopped garlic and diced onion. We mix everything well so that the ingredients combine harmoniously. From this mixture, we form medium-sized balls, which will be our meatballs. They will be boiled in a pot of boiling water for about 10-15 minutes until they rise to the surface.

To add extra flavor to our dish, we take the zucchini, peel it, and cut it into larger cubes. It will also be boiled in salted water until it becomes tender, which will take about 7-10 minutes. At the same time, we also take care of the tomatoes; we will peel them and cut them into thin slices, preparing them to be added to our dish.

Now, let’s focus on the sauce that will envelop all the ingredients. In another bowl, we mix an egg with grated cheese, add sour cream, a little pepper, salt, and other spices to taste, such as oregano or basil, for extra flavor. We mix everything well until we obtain a homogeneous composition.

In a Jena dish, we lightly grease the bottom with oil, then we line it with breadcrumbs to prevent the mixture from sticking. We place the boiled vegetables alongside the meatballs, spreading everything evenly. On top, we pour the sauce prepared earlier, making sure it covers all the ingredients.

We preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and place the dish inside for about 20 minutes. This is the moment when the sauce will start to gratin, forming a golden and appetizing crust. After the time has expired, we take the dish out of the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This dish will prove to be not only tasty but also satisfying, perfect for a family meal or with friends. Buon appetito!